Saturday 24 April 2010

The Curious Incident


I read this book several years ago and can remember thinking then, that it was a good choice.

As Rick, my fourteen year old grandson is on the autistic spectrum and was very late being diagnosed, the book was recommended along with many others, in the hope that I would understand the condition better.
I thought the book was so brilliant that I lent it to my daughter and eventually to my son. As so much time had passed, I had forgotten all about it until the book was unexpectedly returned to me a couple of weeks ago.

I was recovering from my last chemo when I found myself reading it again.
The book was finished within a couple of days because I found I had forgotten the exact story line and it is the type of book I like ....... one that I just cannot put down once I start reading. I thought it was so funny and my husband would walk in the room and find me creased up with loud laughter.

It is about a fictitious
15 year old boy.... with Asperger's.
I was not laughing at people who have this syndrome but about the very funny things that happened in the book (though the storyline was far from funny when I come to think of it). The way the boy takes everything so literally is a real feature of this condition and it caused all sorts of complications in the lives of everyone who became involved with him.
Mark Haddon must have an intimate knowledge of Asperger's because no one could possibly write a book of this kind without understanding the condition extremely well.
I thoroughly recommend this book, especially to anyone who has an autistic person in their household or wider circle of friends, because it really does help one to understand the condition better.



23 comments:

Helen said...

Hi Maggie! Thanks for the recommendation ... I do have a person with Asperger's in my life and will definitely read.

Irene said...

I read that book and enjoyed it very much. It was very interesting and amusing, but more than anything very educative. It's a book anyone should read, because it's very well written.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Hi, Maggie!! It sounds like a fantastic read!! Nothing better than fiction to allow us to walk in another's shoes...I'm definitely going to look for this one! Thanks for the recommend! Hope you are having a beautiful weekend! Love, Janine XO

Formerly known as Frau said...

Laughter during this time in your life is good medicine. I will check out the book for sure, knowledge is power.

Bernie said...

Hi Maggie, I have a great niece who is 4 years old and was just recently diagnosed with Asperger's. I will order this book, read it then pass it on to her parents, thank you for the reccomendation. Hope you are Harry are well........:-) Hugs

Eddie Bluelights said...

Well that settles it then - I must read it ~ Eddie x

SandyCarlson said...

I need to read this. My nephew has been diagnosed with Asperger's, and I am curious about what that means. Thanks for this beautiful recommendation.

Wisewebwoman said...

Yes, I agree Maggie, a great read and I must dig out my copy if I haven't passed it on and re-read.
XO
WWW

aims said...

Sometimes I read books and forget their names - but I remember that one because of the title. Wonderful read and well recommended. I'm delighted it made you laugh. That's a good sign my friend.

Unknown said...

Thank you for this book recommendation. I always enjoy reading books that help me better understand people with special needs.

Praying for you.

Anonymous said...

It really is a wonderful read!

Valerie said...

Thanks Maggie, I'll try and get that book. I'm trying to think what else Mark Haddon has written... I'm sure I've read something of his. Worth a Google, I think.
Hope you're coping well with your chemo. I've missed a few posts so I'm a bit out of date.

Working Mum said...

I read this book just before I was due to teach a girl with Asperger's. I thought it was very well written with a real insight into the condition without being sentimental.

christopher said...

Thank you very much for the recommendation. Funny and insightful is just what I enjoy.

My son is not on the spectrum, but has other special needs and my wife is a special education supervisor. It's a rainy day here...perhaps I'll be able to pick it up later.

Brian Miller said...

very cool...i work with a couple boys that have aspergers...used a kids book called "let me tell you about aspergers." with them this week to help them understand...will definitely pick this one up!

Suburbia said...

I remember reading this some time ago too and not being able to put it down. I must re read it sometime :)

Joey said...

I'm going to buy this book for my daughter. She worked with Autistic children for 3 years. She just loves them! She's going for her teaching degree, and she will love this book.

Thanx, Maggie

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Just stopping in to see my friend, and to wish you a wonderful chemo-free week!! Whoo-Hoo! I'm still doing cartwheels for you! Love you! Janine XO

Anonymous said...

It's a good recommendation, Maggie, thank you for blogging about it. I bought the book many years ago when Amy was first diagnosed.

CJ xx

Akelamalu said...

It sounds a really interesting book Maggie. Hope you're feeling well?

Mark said...

Thank-you for sharing this book. I have friends who have a 16 year old with Aspergers. I am sure they will enjoy this read.

Jeni said...

I don't know if you've ever heard of the author, Jodi Picoult, but she has a new book out -released the first week of March -titled "House Rules" and it is about an 18-year-old young man with Asperger's. It's a very interesting read (well, I happen to like her style and daughter Mandy and I have every book she has written cause we both love her stuff) but some of the dialogue in this book is quite humorous too -the literal thinking things, ya know.
Also, here again, I have no idea if you get any or many American TV programs in Great Britain, but if you do and if one of them is a show called "Big Bang Theory" do watch it if you can. One of the main characters in this show, although it is never mentioned that he might or is on the spectrum, sure should be! (The character, not the actor, that is.) But while reading the above mentioned book, I could envision the main character there talking, walking, acting just like Sheldon, the guy on Big Bang Theory who most likely would/could be construed as being on the spectrum. I will definitely tell Mandy about this book though and see if she can get us a copy!

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Thanks for the recommendation Maggie - I will keep a look out for it. We do not have anyone with Asperger's or Autism but as you say it is good to be aware of both conditions. Hope you are progressing well. A x