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Book Review of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NIght-time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NIght-time
vallipow avatar reviewed on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


This is one of the best-written and memorable books I've ever read. It is a type of coming-of-age novel, but unlike any other.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is told in the voice of Christopher, a very bright teenage boy with autism, who has decided to record memorable parts of his inner and outer life with the encouragement of a trusted teacher at the school for special needs children he attends. Through the novel Christopher solves not only the mystery of what happened to the dog mentioned in the title, but also uncovers truths about his mother and father, whose love for their son and their grief over his "differentness" caused all of their lives to change in painful ways.

In the process of his quest to answer his questions about the unfortunate dog, Christopher overcoming some of the limitations of his condition. He also learns to become more independent, confronts many of his own fears, and forges new connections with people.

Through Christopher's captivating tale, I came to appreciate the kinds of social and environmental challenges many people with autism face, as well as understand some of the strengths their unique way of seeing the world affords. I also came to care about the Christopher and his family, as well as admire his determination and his lack of self-pity.

This is a book no one will ever forget.