My initial praise for this book is going to sound a little similar to my praise for Diane Chamberlain's Secrets She Left Behind. I absolutely loved the way the author was able to capture the voice of the autistic narrator. Everything about the way the narrator spoke and acted was consistent with his autism and personality. While I know that it is impossible to "lump" all autistic people into the same behavioral group and expect that what works with one will work with another, I feel like I'd have a better understand of how to work with an autistic person after reading this book. And maybe it's because I'm a math nerd myself, but I absolutely loved the character's quirks.
The book itself centers around this autistic child trying to solve the mystery of a dead dog in his neighborhood. Because of his autism, he can't understand some of the idiosyncrasies of society that get in his way of solving the mystery or identifying clues (such as why the police aren't more concerned about a murdered dog or why a divorced man living next to a divorced woman should raise some eyebrows). But his dedication is inspiring--and at times, humorous, because we are able to see things from the rational, worldly perspective that doesn't necessarily exist for him.
Another fun fact about this book? This was my first e-book! We have e-reader capabilities on our computers at work, and the library has been working to expand their e-book collection, so I decided to give it a try. And you know what? I actually kind of liked it! I'm not sure I could completely give up my tangible books, but I'm starting to think that maybe a Kindle or a Nook wouldn't completely be the worst idea ever. Maybe :-)
Oh, and definitely check this book out if you get the chance. It's really engaging, enlightening (for me) from an autism perspective, and a pretty light, quick read. Although maybe I just flew threw it because I was enjoying my new e-reading capabilities--who knows!
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