Book Review, The curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time ***** Christopher is 15. He has Asperger's Syndrome. He doesn't do touching. When he eats, his baked beans can't be allowed to touch the broccoli. Christopher doesn't like anything yellow or brown. Four red cars makes for a good day, four yellow ones makes for a REALLY BLACK DAY. He does do maths, really well, but not emotions, he does logical thinking, but not feeling, he likes detective novels because they follow a logical trail of events, all other forms of descriptive writing are alien to him. When next doors dog is killed with a garden fork, Christopher sets out to investigate the death of the dog, as he doesn't like talking to people very much, this is not an easy investigation. Mark Haddons insight into the day to day life of an autistic teenager is an absolute joy, everything Christopher does seems entirely logical to himself, but appears baffling and disturbing to people unused to his habits, this proves most distressing for everyone concerned when he is questioned by a policeman and reacts in a strange, then violent manner. Christopher's life isn't easy, and it isn't easy for those who care for him from his mostly patient, but very human and fallible father, to his teachers at his school, but Haddon's brilliantly vivid writing illuminates wonderfully the interactions between a mentally different child and the rest of the world. Christopher continues with his investigation into the dogs death against his fathers express wishes, he is unable to lie, but partially conceals his actions by telling only selected portions of the truth. As his investigation progresses and a terrible revelation is made, the boy makes what he thinks is a logical decision, and embarks on a journey across the country, pet rat in pocket. I really can't recommend this book highly enough, it is absolutely magical, and I mean that in the way it opens up peoples lives to the reader rather than having a pleasing and happy ending. It is often amusing and sad at the same time, a bitter sweet thread runs through the book as Christopher stumbles from one situation to the next, driven by his slightly warped view of the world. Wonderful, charming and impressive, 'The Curious Incident' is all of these things, it left me with a wistful smile at the end, nothing works out perfectly, not at all, but I did find it a positive and uplifting read.