600 Hours of Edward

By: Craig Lancaster

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

A 39-year-old with Asperger’s syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Edward Stanton lives alone on a rigid schedule in the Montana town where he grew up. His carefully constructed routine includes tracking his most common waking time (7:38 a.m.), refusing to start his therapy sessions even a minute before the appointed hour (10:00 a.m.), and watching one episode of the 1960s cop show Dragnet each night (10:00 p.m.).

But when a single mother and her nine-year-old son move in across the street, Edward’s timetable comes undone. Over the course of a momentous 600 hours, he opens up to his new neighbors and confronts old grievances with his estranged parents. Exposed to both the joys and heartaches of friendship, Edward must ultimately decide whether to embrace the world outside his door or retreat to his solitary ways.

Heartfelt and hilarious, this moving novel will appeal to fans of Daniel Keyes’ classic Flowers for Algernon and to any reader who loves an underdog.

©2012 Craig Lancaster (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Thought provoking

This story is intriguing as well as an endearing take about a young man managing his day to day life with struggles and idiosyncrasies many of us share. I really enjoyed listening to the smooth, soft voice of the narrator, Luke Daniels. I felt that the character spoke directly to his listeners. Thank you.

Entertaining!

This is our August book club selection and the one that I voted for - mainly because both my mom and I both had already purchased this when it was an Audible Deal of the Day. And I really did enjoy listening to this one. The performer does a great job of bringing Edward to life with his love of certain words, his preference for facts and his fondness for the color seasons of <I>Dragnet</I>.

The titular Edward is 39 years old and has been diagnosed formally as OCD and having Asperger's. And it is quite obvious that these two conditions have greatly impacted his life and his family. But, Edward's very set ways all begin to change when he becomes friends with his new neighbors. And despite the great predictability of Edward's days, I must admit that the plot itself contains many surprises. The ending crossed over to me to being a bit too unbelievable, which does detract from the strength of the earlier realism of the novel. I liked Edward's love for good words and I especially enjoyed his letters of complaint.

I had already picked up the sequel before finishing this one, so while the ending makes me not as excited to continue Edward's story, I am still planning on finishing it before our August book club meeting! Luckily, this rainier summer means that I have had more time to listen to audiobooks in the car because I cannot have the windows down!

Realistic, honest, well rendered and convincing

I loved the honest, frank portrayal of a man who suffers from Asperger's syndrome. There is no mockery or exaggeration here, and one has the feeling that the author is very familiar with the signs and symptoms of this disease and has done his research remarkably well. I like how the story develops, that Edward's life changes in increments, but I also like the realism of the various challenges that he faces through the course of the novel. There are no fairytale happy endings for Edward, he is not the typical main protagonist in anyone's imagination, but what there is, is real and relatable even if many listeners cannot empathise with the minutiae of his struggles. An excellent audiobook, well-narrated.

Amazing

Would you listen to 600 Hours of Edward again? Why?

Yes. His insights into an Asperger's adult are fascinating and ring true to my ears. Several times I caught myself smiling at things Edward says or does because I've seen the Aspie in my life behave the same. Luke Daniels did a stellar job.

What did you like best about this story?

It's truth. It's heart. It's compassion for all the characters, while not making them pitiable.

What does Luke Daniels bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's a wonderful narrator. I always ipenjoy his performances.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to listen to the sequel.

Edward is a loveable fella

Luke Daniels did a splendid job of sharing this story by Craig Lancaster. I was left feeling happy and contented at the end. There were many times that Edwards' idiosyncrasies made me smile and tons of times that the world made me angry as it dealt with this man. It's a grand listen.

Great story

Loved it and couldn't put it down Lots of odd twists and surprises a great feel good book

enjoyable book!

touching story. I enjoyed it very much and I'm looking forward to reading the next story about Edward Stanton.

Sweet, funny and very touching.

This is a very funny and very thoughtful book. I read "Look Me in the Eye" and "the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and loved both those books. That's what drew me to read and listen to this book. I was loving Edward and forgiving his father by the end.

Loved this book

Loved this story, loved Edward, loved the voice of Luke Daniels as Edward. I laughed and cried. Sorry that it had to end.

I Loved it.

I love Edward and all of his quirky hangups. This book evoked many emotions; happiness, sadness, pity and hope.

The repetitions some reviewers mentioned were integral because that's how Edward thinks.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.