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)

Very Enjoyable

I have nothing negative to say about this book (other than I wish I knew a bit more about what happens with his dad). I think it gave a great in sight into the minds of people on the autism spectrum and makes one consider interactions with people that are different from one's self.
I only gave it a 4 because I think there are better books out there in a general sense... this one is definitely worth the read, though!!

Interesting perspective

Good for people to understand how those with aspbergers / autism think and process things

Fascinating story but your ears may burn.

The story of the young man with Autism is very interesting. The excessive use of the F word and the names of deity by most of the people he interacts with lessens the enjoyment a lot.

Far beyond Good

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

There was really nothing about this book that attracted me except the sale price. So - I bought it, put it aside for later, and started to listen to it when my internet cable was down (out of shear boredom ). What a wonderful surprise! I found everything about this book, the story, the main protagonist, the reader, and the pace and sound of the language to be beyond my wildest expectation. Please get this book. Just sit back and listen and just say ahhhhh.

Really Wonderful

It's definitely been a number of years since I first read this book (at least ten, if not more!) and I honestly didn't remember much about it at all, other than after having finished it the first time and giving my copy to my mom and being shocked at how much she enjoyed it. While I was looking online for Christmas gift ideas, I saw that the book had been adapted to the stage and was playing over the holidays! The perfect big Christmas gift for her!!

We made quite a day of it downtown, but I had decided to pick up the audio version of the book to be a bit of a refresher before and after seeing the play. Basically, I listened to what translated into the first act before seeing the play, and then the second half after - I couldn't have timed it better on purpose! I have to say both the adaption and the audio performance were great (though honestly, I think that the actor on stage should be allowed to re-record the audio version! He was fantastic!), and definitely held up to my original enjoyment of reading it. The author deserves a lot of credit for so realistically capturing autism and yet somehow managing to make a book that centers around the death of a dog charming. I haven't read any of Haddon's other books (yet) but definitely planning on it!

Great book and story

My wife has been asking me to read this book for years. This was easily one of the best books I have ever read/heard. The story really helps me understand why my wife was a special Ed teacher.

Excellent, moving, educational

A interesting story told by an excellent narrator. The story is told through the perspective of a young boy who has Asberger's syndrome. Through his eyes, we see the a story unfold of a dysfunctional though loving family that is struggling to deal with the young boy's unique needs, painful family issues, lies and the subsequent necessity for rebuilding trust. Excellent.

Fantastic Viewpoint!

From the first paragraph I was drawn in to the viewpoint expressed by the intelligent honest insightful lad with his unique personality.
I’ve known people with his condition and now feel a kinship with their way of experiencing life.
I finished the book in the first 24 hours.
Thank you!

Wonderful

Very well written. The narrator was great portraying the story as a 15 year old.

You have to love Christopher

If you could sum up The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in three words, what would they be?

Accurate (as far as high functioning autism is concerned), interesting and eccentric

What did you like best about this story?

The way Christopher sees the world around him and explains it. I have high functioning autism and I could relate to so much of what he said.

Which character – as performed by Jeff Woodman – was your favorite?

Christopher.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Ed gives Christopher the puppy. Ed was so wrong in all of this but you somewhat see why he did what he did (not that most people would do that but you kind of see it in the book) and you see how he knows that he has a lot of work to do to rebuild his relationship which has been forever altered.

Any additional comments?

If you are interested in autism and in particular, about what it is like to have high functioning autism, this book is one you should read. I thought the author was autistic but learned he was a teacher of autistic pupils at one point. Still, his ability to explain why Christopher does and thinks and feels the way he does is outstanding!