I loved this book. No, more than that. I really, really loved it. It was a quick easy read, hilarious, yet depressing as hell, colorful characters, and just fabulous. Let’s dive deeper, shall we?
The Plot
Fifteen year old Christopher is brilliant with numbers, all things maths, history, science, and logic. He perceives the world literally, jokes are lost on him, and he doesn’t enjoy physical contact. If something breaks a rule or a pattern, his world is shattered. He hates the color yellow. He has absolutely zero understanding of human emotions. Christopher has Aspergers.
One day, his neighbors dog Wellington is murdered. Christopher sets out to solve the murder by writing a book, much like a detective novel — his favorite — Sherlock Holmes! The very book that you’re reading right now…
A+ for Format
OK, so you’re basically reading Christopher’s ‘book’ which feels like reading his diary. The format is sweet and adorable and shocking and hilarious. We find out way more than simply who killed Wellington. Christopher’s entire world is turned upside-down as he hunts for Wellingtons murderer. Reading a story solely from the point of view of a fifteen year old with Aspergers was wonderful and a challenging feat — very well done.
Cast of Characters (aka Potential Suspects):
- Christopher, self
- Dad, dad
- Mum, mum
- Mr. Shears, next door neighbor
- Mrs. Shears, next door neighbor
- Siobhan, teacher at school
- Mr. Jeavons, school counselor
- Mrs. Alexander, neighbor
- Toby, pet rat
- Wellington, Mr. and Mrs. Shears deceased dog
It was a unique book, and would definitely recommend it. The book has been out for a while, originally it was published in 2004. In 2012 it was released as a play, my in-laws recently saw it and said it was wonderfully done. As always, I’m going to suggest reading the book first!