The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Author: Mark Haddon
Publisher: Random House Adult
Year Published: 2003
Cost: $16.78
Other Bibliographic Information:
ISBN:1-400-03271-7
ISBN13:978-1-400-03271-6
Word Count:62,005
Reading Level:5.4
Interest Level:9+

Plot Summary:

The 15-year-old narrator is an autistic boy named Christopher Boone who is obsessed with (among other things) Sherlock Holmes. When a neighbor's dog is killed, he decides to track down the real dog-killer. The events that goes on in the book are filtered through the mind of an autistic and are often very hilarious as you read through the book. Eventually, by Christopher's own eccentric methods, Christopher uncovers truths that are profoundly disturbing, and in the process is forced to extend himself well beyond his usual boundaries.


Evaluation:
I found this book by Mark Haddon as a hilarious book to read as well as educational. Haddon's main character, Christopher,is the autistic 15-year-old narrator of the book. Christopher, like many children with autism, is socially awkward but very gifted in other areas, and in Christopher’s case his strength is math and numbers. He can calculate any problem he takes on and nearly waxes philosophical on many old math problems as he narrates his story. The mystery of the death of the neigbor's poodle leads him to the secrets of his parents' broken marriage and then into a journey in which he find his place in the world.


Reader's Annotation:
Though Christopher insists, "This will not be a funny book. I cannot tell jokes because I do not understand them," this novel by Mark Haddon is filled with touching, ironic humor. The result is an eye-opening work in a unique and compelling literary voice that every reader will enjoy.

Awards Won:A New York Times Notable Book for 2003
Author Website: http://www.markhaddon.com/home_alternative.html