In this novel, a teenager with an autism spectrum disorder solves a dog's murder and then runs away from home.

I found nothing in this novel to like. I found this novel difficult to believe for a couple reasons. For instance, if you're autistic and have to be in a special school for such people, as the main character of Christopher was, chances are you've never been anywhere on your own. So why does it make sense for Christopher to get on a train all by himself and be able to navigate the chaotic environment of a train station the very first time he was in one alone? That is a huge discrepancy between the novel and real life.

In addition, I simply cannot envision someone who wants to do nothing but talk about astronomy and math and similar sciences writing such a story. When you have a genuine autism spectrum disorder, and your specialty subject is astronomy and math, chances are you will find literature and writing extremely difficult. So why is it that Christopher as a character is able to write a book?

I actually was tempted to throw it in the trash.

I'm on the autism spectrum myself. Most people actually point to this book as an "accurate" portrayal of what autism looks like. I feel like this novel makes my own experiences being autistic invalid and of no value whatsoever.

This book is not an accurate portrayal of autism. If you want an accurate portrayal of autism in a book, this book is not it.

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Created Nov 18, 2011 at 10:24am • Submit your own review...