Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Haddon, MarkA murder mystery like no other. Christopher Boone is a fifteen-year-old who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome. He understands maths and science, but he cannot understand other human beings. When the dog next door is killed by a garden fork, Christopher sets off in the manner of Sherlock Holmes to find the killer. Winner of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
It generated a lot of discussion re Aspergers and other mental disabilities. A lot of our grandchildren and children had also read the book. Picton 002 The strength of the characters was well portrayed - the relationship between father and son, teacher and student, and Christopher and other authorative people.Christchurch 317Engrossing read. Gave us more empathy for people with Aspergers and autism. Auckland 134We found this an amazing and fascinating story, both sad and comedic. Auckland 271 The teachers in the group thought it gave them a greater insight and deeper understanding of their students. The book divided the group however - some felt it was interesting but didn't go anywhere. Christchurch 348 We all really liked the book, and would definitely recommend it. It's funny and touching, and shows a different perspective of what is "normal'. Matamata 002 We felt this book gave us a very real insight into the thinking processes of a young person with Asberger's. Also, we thought the book gave a realistic glimpse into the stress parents can feel, and it explored the different ways his Dad and Mum coped. Auckland 178 This book generated quite a bit of discussion around Autism and Asberger's syndrome. Most enjoyed the book, some for the second time. The group generally agreed that it was an easy read - quite captivating, and would appeal to older adolescents. We rated it 7/10. Christchurch 329 This book received universal approval - we all liked it. Thought it was clever, poignant and illuminating. Hokitika 002 Great discussion. Everyone enjoyed it, and were well informed by it. Some felt far too much insight was attributed to the main character given his limitations. Christchurch 064 Generally enjoyed - a quick easy read with an interesting perspective. Someone thought the text was used in primary schools, so we discussed how much children would take from the story. Nelson 032
Pages
272
272
Year
2003
2003
Reviews
11-08-2023
We all enjoyed this book and easy read. Interesting perspective to the world of someone with Asperger's which we didn't know much about. Good characters and good moving plot. Well worth a read.
24-05-2023
An easy read with interesting events throughout.
13-10-2022
We all loved it - well-written, interesting and fun.
13-10-2022
Book raised a lot of issues to discuss. Seemed to be a simple read but was covering complex issues in a straightforward way. Insight into autism and the difficulties for families who have to live with the family member who has it.
13-10-2022
One of us ( a disability advocate) found it annoying and depressing, and was disappointed that the author seems to have no expertise in this area. The rest of us really liked it. Interesting discussions followed. The train station, and hiding behind the suitcase, was a favourite scene.
13-10-2022
An intriguing, absorbing novel, much praised by our group. The resulting discussion was wide-ranging and prompted frank accounts of experience.
13-10-2022
Enjoyed immensely by all in our group. Insightful and very well-written. We all learned a lot.
17-02-2020
All really enjoyed it. Fast moving and easy reading, but so interesting.
17-02-2020
A much anticipated book which lived up to expectations. No disappointments and enjoyed by all. For many it brought back memories of people we'd known/knew and led to considerable discussion.
17-02-2020
We all enjoyed this book. Interesting discussion followed.
17-02-2020
Cleverly written. Great insight into the mind of an autistic/Asperger's mind. Some thought it funny, others spent the book worrying about the boy's safety. Some humorous quirks and dialogue.
17-02-2020
All enjoyed this book. All felt we now had a better understanding of Asperger's Syndrome. We were impressed with Mark Haddon's ability to write with such a depth of understanding.
17-02-2020
Everyone enjoyed this book. Gave interesting insights into a child's world view and living with autism. Page turner and an easy read. Some didn't like the ending, it seemed like his life just continued with no resolution.
17-02-2020
Interesting characters. Easy to read style.