This was an amazing and unique book. It is both extremely funny and sometimes heartbreakingly sad. It can be read as both a quick mystery story and as a thought-provoking book about the challenges of autism. The narrator, a teen boy with autism, provides an unusual voice and can really help a reader look at situations from a different point of view. This book could be enjoyed by both mature teens and adults.

A great story told through the experiences of a boy with autism. The author does a great job with the voice of his main character. This would be a great conversation starter for middle school to high school students who might have preconceived ideas of what it means to have a "disability" like autism.

While never stated outright, Christopher has autism, which makes the narrative style very straight forward. Yet despite his inability to feel or truly comprehend emotions, his story encompasses a variety of individuals whose motives and emotions while a mystery to Christopher come across to the reader. The novel has many significant references to The Hound of the Baskervilles as it is Christopher's favourite novel and informs his decision to investigate the dog's death. Exploring themes of truth, family, and the challenges posed by caring for an individual who perceives life differently.

It is most likely that this interesting book title has led to the popularity of this novel. Overall it is an interesting read of a teenage boy whose autism gives him a different outlook on the world, but it is not a novel that I would insist that anyone add to their list of to-be-read books. It is, however, quirky and short if that is what you are into at the moment. (Nov 2007)

Excellent book! Having studied psychology, I found it interesting because I often read about conditions like autism, but had trouble imagining an autistic person's perspective. I'm glad I was compelled to read it because it gave me a greater understanding.

October 2006

This book was so fascinating to me. I really enjoyed hearing this story from the boy's perspective, and it gave me so much sympathy not only for children with autism but for their parents. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for them to communicate. The dad was totally wrong in his handling of certain situations, but I thought the mom was an awful human being.

Can't remember how this book got on the list... book club read or NYTimes best seller perhaps?

a boy with autism feels more connected with animals than people. as lives around him fall apart, he tries to solve the murder of his favourite dog. great book!!! all of the protagonist's thoughts truly seem to be coming from an autistic child (to the extent of my knowledge of autism). it's often hilarious in an ironic way.

this book was good from how the author used the perspective of an autistic 15 year-old. this book was interesing in its way and somehow funny too.