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)

Brilliant

JOHN, PLAYA DEL REY, CA

THIS WAS MY FIRST AUDIOBOOK AND I FOUND THIS BOOK, WHICH I HAD PLANNED TO READ BEFORE I HAD A STROKE AS ENJOYABLE, AS IF I HAD READ THE BOOK. THE NARRATION AND STORYTELLING WAS BEYOND WHAT I EXPECTED. A GOOD FIRST AUDIOBOOK, FOR THE FIRST TIMERS.SMART,CLEVER,FUN

DITO DITO DITO 5 STARS

I LOVED this book. So simple, so entertaining, so well presented. A read (listen) for all ages and all interests.

Great perspective, too much profanity

I would love for my kids and others to read this, but the f word is so common that I can't possibly recommend it.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

I had a hard time giving this book 4 stars because, although I am glad I read it, it is not a book I would choose to read again. There were times I was waiting for the book to be over, but the majority of the time I was fascinated by the insight this book gave me into the thought processes of a person with Asperger's Syndrome.

The best book I read in 2004!

Charming, funny, heart-warming. A rare glimpse into a rarely-understood mind. I have recommended this book to all of my friends and family.

Christopher's Reality

Mark Haddon has brilliantly created characters and a story about their everyday lives that gradually invites you inside their family for a first hand view of how each perceives reality. Jeff Woodman does an exceptional job of giving voice to the difference members of two families whose lives
intersect dramatically with this curious incident of the dog.

Readers are drawn in to Christopher's life as he learns to navigate the world outside the safety of his family and special school where he has lived all of his life.

Without a spoiler alert, it is a remarkable story about love and how a family copes with the demands of raising a person with different needs and caring about his happiness by respecting everyone's boundaries. This is an author and voice actor I look forward to finding again.

This story really gave me insight!

Would you listen to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time again? Why?

Maybe, though I only have time to listen to stories once as there are so many to hear.

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

I was able to hear, in his words, the way I sometimes think but never had words to define for myself. For instance, Christopher explains how he "sees" all information at once and cannot see only what has changed - as most other people do. I think it is a form of sensory overload or selection problems. I could relate for how a young child might respond to a trip through the noisy subway system who has sensory issues. (I am an Early childhood Ed student)

What about Jeff Woodman’s performance did you like?

Jeff's English accent really gave authenticity to Christopher who is in England. His voice is clear and pleasant.

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

What it's like to live inside Asperger's.

Any additional comments?

This story shows how all teacher's, public servants and law officials need training is understanding people with Autism.

Interesting

A good story line, totally unique by being told from the view of a 15 year old with Asperger's. The story gives excellent insight into their behaviors while weaving a good tale. Narration is very well done.

Lively story

A really lovely story of an autistic boy who wants to solve the murder of a neighbor’s dog. Little he knew that he will unveiling a thread of lies and secrets of those around him.. very entertaining snd recommend for all ages.

Great Beginning Mystery Novel.

Would you listen to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time again? Why?

I would like to hear this book again, not for the mystery, but to pick up on parts of the book to hear how autistic author phrases his viewpoint. As a parent to an autistic child, ascertaining different high functioning autistic thought processes helps me to conjur ideas to communicate with my own child.