Sunday 28 March 2010

Review: The curious incident of the dog in the night-time - Mark Haddon


The curious incident of the dog in the night-time  by Mark Haddon

Genre: Fiction and YA
Pages: 226
Published: 2004

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Christopher Boone. Christopher is fifteen and has Asperger's, a form of autism. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour's dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.


This book was just utterly amazing, it sucked me in and I could to stop reading. It was a teacher who brought it up and she said that afterward she had been a bit strange and been looking for red cars cos they had a meaning in this book. I on the other hand started to philosophy about black holes, white holes, God, the big bang and how I am related to the wall...yes I get weird when I stay up late.

I think it was cos this book was so strange, and I have no idea how to review it.

This book is not only text, it is filled with little maps, lists, math problems, and signs that Christopher sees. They fit perfectly cos that is how he is. Maybe I should make a list.

1.Christoper is 15 and has aspberger's
2. He does not like yellow or brown, and he does not want to touch those colors.
3. He does not like to be touched.
4. 4 red  cars in a row means it will be a good day, 4 yellow a bad day.
5. He loves math and is really good at it.
6. The food must not touch.
7. He does not like strangers.

That is Christopher. He lives with his dad because his mum died. He is in school and will get an A in the A-level math. One day he finds his neighbors dog killed with a garden fork and decides that he will find out who killed the dog. This will lead him outside his house and to talk to strangers, and he does not quit even though his dad tells him to. Even though he can't tell lies.

It was a lovely book, a strange book, a book that jumped between things. It felt like I was in his mind, and I can only say that this is a great creation by Mark Haddon. A truly wonderful tale that also made me really sad in places. The mystery is great, but there is also other things happening, and it is just something you have to read.

I can only say that I am glad I liked this book. I read that it was simultaneously published for adults and YA so both can read this tale. So go and read it. I hope you will find it as mesmerizing as I did.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I like it and it fits the story
Reason for Reading: Library book
Final thoughts: What are you waiting for, read it!

35 comments:

  1. I loved this one too!!!!

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  2. I agree, this is a really good book.

    I like how even though you see events through Christopher's eyes, with his more limited perspective on human emotions, you still understand what's going on with the other characters. And Christopher himself is such a well-written character.

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  3. I've heard great things about this book although I've never read it. I'm glad it was a good one for you.

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  4. I was only iffy on this book. It just didn't do it for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it though and enjoyed your review of it.

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  5. I think I am the only person on Earth who couldn't read this. I tried and just couldn't get into it. I will definitely try again,as I have heard such rave reveiws about it. I really can't work out why I struggle with it.

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  6. I read this book a few years ago and really liked it!

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  7. I can see this one on the TBR shelf from where I'm sitting right now...

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  8. I liked this one too! Great review.

    Stop by and enter my blogoversary giveaways.

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  9. Staci,
    I know right, love it :D

    HKatz,
    Such a well-written character and yes even if he does not know what people are feeling we still saw it. I am so glad I read it

    Darlene
    I hope you'll read it one day, such a wonderful story

    Wonderbunny
    People seem to love it, or they feel like you. But that is literature :O)

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  10. Vivienne
    You are not the only one. I read reviews on goodreads and people seemed to love it, or didn't like it at all. And I have always liked strange

    Mary
    Great book, I will try to read more by him and see it those re good too

    Chris
    Oh the mighty TBR shelf :)

    Linda
    Glad to hear

    Nice
    Another lover :D Yes truly the last to read it

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  11. Sounds intriguing and appears to be in my library (in the children's section) so I shall definitely read it.

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  12. Cat
    It seems to be an adult book, and a YA book at the same time. Depending on who they directed it too. But anyway, do read it ;)

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  13. I haven't read this one but I should give it a try. One of my nieces has two sons and they are both autistic. It might help me see how they think. Great review!

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  14. Ooooh, I really need to read this book. I have had it on my shelves for forever and I don't know why I still haven't read it. I think it's even on the 1000 books to read before you die list.

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  15. I loved this book too - original. My teenage son read it for school a few years ago and he liked it too, though it was from a different perspective for him. He didn't "get it" the same way I did.

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  16. I saw your comment about followers over at BookLust, so I dropped by to follow you!

    I'm hosting a giveaway on my Sunday Salon post today. I plan to give away two $10 gift cards to Amazon on Easter Sunday. I hope you will stop by and sign up!

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  17. I love this book! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, too :-) It definitely sucks you right in. I felt so much empathy for the father, I must admit.

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  18. Kaye
    I do think you should, I fell for this book so hard.

    Lily
    Really? But then good for me that I at least have read some of those 1000 books.

    Julie
    It was very emotional in some places for me. I want more now.

    Readerbuzz
    Cool, hi *waves*
    Will come on over and have a look

    Aarti
    Me too, that is why I felt so sad in places, because he only wanted the best for him

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  19. Great review! Sounds like a good one.

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  20. Hey Blodeuedd!
    It's been awhile since I popped over here. I love the colors of your blog :).
    I hope you have a great week!

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  21. Yvonne
    It was excellent, truly

    Hi Amy :D
    Thanks, yes Lea did a great job!
    Easter week means chocolate and holiday so I am happy ;)

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  22. I was expecting to find this book unbearably tedious, despite the wonderful title, and I was surprised at how incredibly absorbing it was. Have you read his other book, A Spot of Bother? I couldn't get into it at all. :(

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  23. I've always thought that this book wasn't meant for me but maybe I should give it a try :-) Loved your review, B!

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  24. I loved this book!! It's one of the books I think everyone should read :) The point of view of Christopher is so wonderful!

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  25. Jenny
    I was surprised too, I did not expect it too be that good.
    Oh no, that is the book the library has...very well will give it a try anyway

    Thanks Ladybug
    And yes do give it a go!

    Janna
    I agree with you wholeheartedly :D

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  26. I've seen this before and thought it looked interesting. Thanks for the great review!

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  27. I have this sitting on my shelf and still haven't gotten around to it. I really need to.

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  28. I've read mixed reviews of this book, so it's nice to see that you like it so much. I picked it up sometime last year, so I'll have to move it up in the pile.

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  29. DC
    It was a great book, I borrowed another book by him today, but I doubt that one will be anywhere near as good

    Naida
    It looks so fun :)

    Carol
    You sure do, and when you do I hope you will enjoy it too

    Alyce
    People seem to love or hate it. I was sure on the love side

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  30. Sounds like it should appeal to others who have Asperger's. Interseting!

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  31. Jenny
    I hope his other book is at least 5 % as good as this one :)

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  32. I've long wanted to read this book, but for some reason, I just haven't. I guess I'm going to have to get my hands on a copy now. :)

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  33. Anna
    Do it, I promise you you will not regret it...well at least I hope you will love it like I did

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