An interesting perspective for the book (and nice cover design) is what originally drew me to this book. The uncommon perspective used made me believe I would enjoy the book, and I did; for the most part. Despite Haddon’s obvious deep knowledge for autism, the story itself was left lacking. After the initial surprise and ‘novelty’ of the almost awkward perspective wore off, I felt myself wanting more from this book.

The main character had many challenges to overcome, but I never actually felt happy/proud/sad for him (which I don’t believe to be a character development flaw, in this context). Haddon almost builds a wall between you and the characters, even though you are seeing this through a child’s eye.

But at the end of the day, the story was no less exciting then watching an episode of ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’.

I won’t spoil the story (it’s on Kevin’s to do list). It’s an interesting book with some insight, but nothing that anyone with an imagination couldn’t have thought of. Recounted from the perspective of a boy with a mental/social disability, it is a neat situation to view the struggles of a family with a special needs child from the boy’s point of view as well as the reader’s point of view (who is more socially educated and understands a lot of the implications the boy misses). I myself was frustrated with Christopher and can see why the family has the troubles it does.

I can’t really muster any more positive things to say because the book really wasn’t all that amazing. I finished reading it and said “Hmm,” and thought about what I was going to have for dinner. And then I counted how many steps it took me to get to the bathroom because I had to wee. And then I got frustrated thinking about dinner so I counted up to fifty doing each’s cube to clear my head. And then someone knocked on my door, but that made me nervous, so I stroked a sharp pair of scizzors to comfort me.

There are mathematical and scientific “oh neat”s in the book, but the diction gets tiresome after a while and it may have made me dumber.