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)

brilliantly different.

this book was amazing and weird at the same time. I'm very glad I listened to it.

Splendid for all ages

A young boy re tells an incredible story stemming from an incident finding a dog. Story goes beyond that night.

Narrator's voice was perfect.

A refreshing alternative view of my everyday world - walking down the street, riding a train, using an ATM. An insight into a mind wired differently than mine. His passion for math and science nicely contrasted with his various phobias.
The narrator brought life to the book. The rather simple story line would not have been so engaging if not for Jeff Woodman' voice and intonations.

Curiously Enthralling

Where does The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For several years i have been a regular listener of audiobooks. This book held my interest completely. If I was distracted for a minute I had to go back and listen again to each phrase. The book is certainly near the top in enjoyable listening experiences.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the understanding of autism in the boy, the sensitivity to his unique way of seeing the world, his courage and the struggle of his parents in their journey to express their love for Him.

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

The narration was done perfectly, so unobtrusively read that the story was transparent and the emotion read true.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Through different eyes many things are curious

Enlightening

This was a great novel and truly enlightening. If you know anyone who is the parent of a child that sturggles with a mental disorder this novel will truly help you connect with them and help you understand the inner workings of that child.

It's like listening to my ASPIE teen

I enjoyed the book at first, then it became too much like listening to my teen, I never get a word in edgewise and everything is smoother when the environment is just as she likes it. After a bit I became exhausted!

Really helps one understand Asperger's

I enjoyed listening to this book. It made me understand the rationale for the behavioral characteristics of Asperger's Disease. The book is written very understandably and one can actually empathize with Christopher. I am looking forward to seeing the play which has been running to rave reviews in London.

Loved it!

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

That it is a story that is told from the view point of a boy with Asperger's

What did you like best about this story?

Which scene was your favorite?

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Any additional comments?

Sticks with you. Clever narrative vehicle. Hoest.

The protagonist is an enjoyable narrator and it is fun to read his blunt, exact, naive view of the world around him. He cuts through the phony adult world to state things in a way that is repeatedly hilarious.

A great listen

What did you love best about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time?

The story was very interesting. I loved the dynamics between Christopher and his family. This book definitely hooks you right away.

Would you be willing to try another book from Mark Haddon? Why or why not?

Yes. The author has an incredibly imaginative voice, and really brings to life the characteristics of an autistic child. Very well written.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrative was a bit repetitive at times.

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

Absolutely