title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
author/editor: Mark Haddon
reviewed by: Frances

My friend came to visit holding a book in one hand. It was one she'd recently told me she'd enjoyed. She was so eager to have me experience this intriguing tale, she had checked it out of the library and brought it over.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is by Mark Haddon. This is an unusual tale told by the main character, a high-functioning autistic teen. Since I have a son who also is autistic, my friend thought I should read the story.

However, for the same reason, I was not much interested. During my son's growing-up years, I read book after book*, always searching for new or better ways to help him. I was exhausted in those years. I used all my energy trying to help him. I was not eager now to read about new approaches or ideas I might have used.

Finally, I pushed through my reluctance to begin the book, and was rewarded by a good read. It was not a "how - to" or sad story and read quickly.

This novel is unusual for two reasons. For one thing, the story is unpredictable. For example, when the "Curious Incident…" concerning the "dog" (in the title) was explained, I looked at my bookmark and saw I was only half way through. Typical mystery - solving comes near the end of a book.

A second remarkable aspect is the story is told from the understanding of the handicapped teen. His way of seeing the world, his understanding life and the events he lives through are quite unique.

As a young man, author, Mark Haddon worked with autistic young people. Thus, he can show readers how an autistic person understands (or doesn't) the world. For instance, an autistic person lacks understanding of social clues and other subtleties. Functioning with others must be taught. For example, an autistic person must be taught how to follow meaning in a conversation.

Through the main character, the author illustrates this. Beginning Chapter 29, Christopher says,

I find people confusing. This is for two main reasons. The first main reason is that people do a lot of talking without using any words. Siobhan ( his school helper) says that if you raise one eyebrow it can mean lots of different things. It can mean 'I want to have sex with you' and it can mean that 'What you just said was very stupid.'

Siobhan also says that if you close your mouth and breathe out loudly through your nose, it can mean that you are relaxed, or that you are bored, or that you are angry, and it all depends on how much air comes out of your nose and how fast and what you said just before and hundred of other things that are too much to work out in a few seconds.

Of course, when you think about it, all this is true. However, you and I never stop to think about it - we just understand it all. Imagine having to figure out all the possibilities of a simple facial expression or gesture while also carrying on a conversation!

I'm glad my friend brought me this book! Try it for an entertaining, informative read. You won't be disappointed!

Frances adds, "These days my autistic son, David, is nearly thirty. He lives on his own and, though he must use bus transportation, works at a 'regular' job. With a little help from his family, David needs only the special support of a caseworker."
* A notable book is Son Rise by Barry Neil Kauffman.

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