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)

Not

A previous reviewer compared this title to Life of Pi. I was particularly disappointed with the ultimate storyline of that book and felt exploited by the author. That, however, is not the case with this book. It is a fascinating eye into the mind of someone who doesn't think like the rest of us. I always enjoy readings that challenge our world views and this does so while also showing how that difference has an impact on those around us. In this case, a not-too-atypical family trying their best to negotiate life. It's about so much more than "the curious incident." You'll enjoy!

far longer than it ought to be

Yes, this book has a unique point of view and yes, this book has an interesting protagonist, but that doesn't make it a good book, or a well written book. I felt like I was being hit over the head with the same descriptions of that uniqueness (clearly Asperger Syndrome) over and over and over again. Maybe that's the point - that those with Asperger's are very often fixated on something and use phrases or descriptions repetitively? But the author himself has said it's not a book about Asperger's, it's a book about being different and making one's way in the world as an outsider. In that case, I think he wrote a repetitive and overly-long book that made me care less and less about the protagonist as time wore on. Probably would have been a better short story than a short novel.

Wonderful story, with a bonus ...

I loved this story. For those of us who love people with autism (or related spectrum disorders),,that cannot articulate what goes on in their heads, meet your spokesperson, Christopher. This glimpse into the minds of the affected is a priceless window! BRAVO Christopher! You're a fine detective!

Charming and insightful

I didn't know what to expect, but Curious Incident is ideal for an audio book, and probably suitable for any age past kindergarten. It is definitely a book I will keep in my car for those times I have grandchildren or nieces and nephews visiting. Curious Incident will inform and educate as it amuses and entertains both adults and bright curious children.

This insight into the mind of the autistic will remain with me for life, and Christopher has so charmed me I want to know more and more about his life.

Enjoyed it immensely

This is fiction written through the eyes of a teen boy with Asperger's Syndrome. I approached it with caution, only buying it because of an Editor's Choice recommendation.

Contrary to what I expected I quickly became involved in both the boy and the story.

I listened on a long car trip and stopped only when I needed gas for the car and coffee for me. If I could've done it without the stops I would have! Fascinating!

Engrossing, poignant, occasionally startling

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

High on my recommendation list from today onward. It seemed a bit slow-going & a tad confusing for the first minute or two, but I was quickly drawn in to listen whenever I had a few minutes to spare.

What other book might you compare The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to and why?

Written from the point-of-view of a 15-year-old boy with Aspergers, this is unlike any book I remember reading.

Have you listened to any of Jeff Woodman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Jeff Woodman is spot-on with tone & inflection for all of the characters. I'll definitely look for more of his performances.

Any additional comments?

With Aspergers in our family, I found this book both emotionally moving & soberly realistic. Relating to people with Aspergers has to be on their terms. The greatest frustration is thinking you need to "change" or "fix" the person's perceptions (or that you CAN change them). The book deals with the tensions of parental love & understandable frustration in a sensitive way.

Too drawn out

I'm sorry but this story could've been cut by two thirds. Like listening to a children's story with plenty of permitted thrown in for whatever reason

Should not be listened to in one sitting!

Make sure you have a game or something to do, because I recommend doing something between chapters. It gives your brain time to process what it just heard.

a good read/listen

I stayed engaged and smiled a lot and walked away feeling sad for the whole family. This is a very human story, very real world stuff. The best thing, the most clever thing, was that the sad nature of their particular drama isn't revealed until late in the book. As the book is told by the boy who is full of interesting facts but so painfully short on understanding the weight of meaning doesn't strike you fully until it is almost over. I am glad I listened to it. I walked away more thoughtful than sad and that kind of thoughtfullness is always a good thing.

Clever in some ways but poor overall

Is there anything you would change about this book?

What is the point? Christopher makes a trip by himself with some mishaps along the way? Maybe this is significant from his perspective, but hardly worth the time to listen to the book. Obviously, I expected more.

Would you ever listen to anything by Mark Haddon again?

Probably not.

Have you listened to any of Jeff Woodman???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first listen from Jeff Woodman.

Was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time worth the listening time?

No. Beyond gleaning some insights on a day in the life of an autistic person from their perspective.