The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By: Mark Haddon

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone has Asperger's Syndrome, a condition similar to autism. He doesn't like to be touched or meet new people, he cannot make small talk, and he hates the colors brown and yellow. He is a math whiz with a very logical brain who loves solving puzzles that have definite answers.

One night, he observes that the neighbor's dog has been killed, since it is not moving and has a large garden fork stuck in its body. Christopher knows this is wrong. He has never left his street on his own before, but now he'll have to in order to find out who killed the dog. What he discovers will shake the very foundation of his perfectly ordered life.

Critically acclaimed author Mark Haddon, a two-time BAFTA winner, crafts a stunning masterpiece that is funny, honest, and incredibly moving.

©2003 Mark Haddon (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

• Alex Award Winner, 2004

"The novel brims with touching, ironic humor. The result is an eye-opening work in a unique and compelling literary voice." (Publishers Weekly)
"Fresh and inventive." (Booklist)
"Smart, honest and wrenching....Will quickly hook you in." (San Francisco Chronicle)
"Gloriously eccentric and wonderfully intelligent." (The Boston Globe)

Absolutely wonderful!

Delightful! I have seen articles and blog posts complaining that this author failed to do his research into Aspergers/Autism. But I disagree. Not all people with Aspergers are the same, just like any other group of people. My 22 year old son has Aspergers and while he is a bit higher functioning than the protagonist of this book I found them very similar. Often I smiled or laughed to myself because I could see Owen so vividly in this boy.

I loved everything about this book. It enchanted me and I found myself fully invested in the story. I generally dislike YA books with a passion, but this one is different. It is a unique little gem of a book.

Very different point of view!

The thought processes of Christopher are quite differently mapped out from so called normal but his life and that of his parents makes anyone stop and think.

Curiously captivating.....

This was an unusual purchase for me but I must say,this book is truly entertaining!!
I just wish there was more to it at the end. This is not one I would listen to more than once either. Still I couldn't peel myself away from it's strange appeal.

A very clever and enjoyable story

I really like how he tied many science and cultural issues through the main character. The performance was very well done.

pitch perfect reading

i think many stories told from the perspective of a disabled child would be put to audio in a way that the narrator would feel compelled to speak with some sort of speech impediment...i'm really glad that Jeff Woodman didn't take this route...i was very happy with his narration, thought it perfect for the main character and I really liked the story overall…there are some very funny moments, many sad moments and not knowing someone with this affliction, I can only hope I am more enlightened by this experience.

Christopher's World is Magical

What a pleasant surprise! Entering Christopher's world was one of the most engaging stories I've listened to in years. Fantastic narrator and enchanting story of a very special boy. I highly recommend this charming book.

A Look into the Mind of the Autistic

Remarkable well done. If you have such person in your life, this story helps your understanding of the difficulties one faces when brain circuitry fires differently from most people. The story is does not pity nor condescend to the autistic child, merely demonstrates a life that has dignity and worth, just the same as any "normal" child.

Simply Outstanding!

This book was so well written and well read I was sad that the story had to end. My deepest respect for the author. You feel a real sense of seeing the world from a point of view of an child with "special needs" who sees the world in a truer way than an adults ordinary awareness. If you want to listen to something other than formulaic pop novels you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this audiobook and hope you have a 5 red car super good day.

Welcome to a world seen differently.

What made the experience of listening to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time the most enjoyable?

Either Mark Haddon has Asperger's Syndrome or his scholarship is jaw-dropping. This wonderful story of Christopher's struggle with his all-too-human parents and his unprioritized perceptions is heroic. For the detail-oriented reader, you will better appreciate your brain's automatic way of parsing the interior and exterior dialogues and dumping the unimportant details. For those preferring to drift rather than paddle along the river, Jeff Woodman's dramatization makes for a great ride, beautiful calm pools of description and white water rapids, like Toby in the tube station.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time?

Poor Christopher, holding the dead dog and trying to cooperate with the policeman. It reminded me of Arlo Guthrie talking to Officer Opie in Stockbridge, Mass.

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

Jeff Woodman does a masterful job of varying volume and tempo that keeps the trees from obscuring the forest.

Any additional comments?

What ningcumpoop classified this as a children's book?

Dog Gone Good Book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to be better than the print version?

Yes, I totally enjoyed Jeff Woodman's performance. His narration of the main character Christopher was dead on point. His English accent made it an exceptional and enjoyable story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Definitely Christopher Boone, the main character.

Which scene was your favorite?

Gosh golly... I totally enjoyed Christopher's train ride. I kept thinking he was going to think "stranger danger" and stick someone with that pocket knife. The entire train ride to locate his mother was entertaining and thrilling. There were many scenes I adored however cant tell them all because I don't want to ruin any part the audio for the next reader.

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

Well, I definitely would not have had the time to enjoy this in one sitting however I darn sure enjoyed each time I turned it on again.

Any additional comments?

This audio was wonderfully surprising and worth it's weight in gold. It will bring a deserving smile across your face. Mark Haddon is an exceptional writer and this story truly shows his talent.