I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read this exciting story. I loved the character of Christopher, and I loved how real and unapologetic he was in his opinions. The initial reason I came to know about this book was through my mother. She had read it, and said she had liked it, but only moderately. It didn't seem to be a very memorable book for her. Despite her opinion on it, I read it, because I knew it was on the reading list and she already had it. It was a matter of convenience, really. So, I took her copy and read it in about a week or so. I'm very happy that I did, because I liked it, and a lot more than moderately. Christopher's bluntness made me laugh, but it also made me think. This is a multi-dimensional story; a story about a death, full of life.
The protagonist of this story is Christopher John Francis Boone, an autistic 15 year old boy. He tends to understand animals better than people, and enjoys math more than anything. One night, Christopher discovers his neighbor's dog, Wellington, dead in the driveway, a gardening shovel struck through its body. Christopher, liking mysteries and difficult problems, decides that this is both, and goes on a quest to solve it. Amidst his investigation, and in trying to uncover the secrets of Wellington's death, Christopher also discovers some secrets of his own, that might have been better off undiscovered.
I gave this book 5 stars, because it's pretty difficult for me not to like a book. This is no exception. The narration was unique and fresh; the plot itself was exciting, with lots of unexpected twists. You never got tired of what Christopher was saying because his short attention span caused the narrative to be constantly moving in different directions. You never got tired of what was actually, physically happening for the same reason. It was a whirlwind. It was an adventure.
I'm very glad that I read this book, and that I get to analyze it. It is an interesting way to see into the mind of an autistic person, and simultaneously an exciting mystery complete with clues and red herrings. It was a full-bodied story, with heart, real heart. Christopher, and his difficulties, felt undeniably real to me. I felt a kinship, and the reading of the story altogether was incredibly gratifying.