curious incident of the dog... (2004)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Mark Haddon)

i'd avoided this book out of habit as it was always featured prominently in bookstores. but many people i know enjoyed it and i got a free copy so i finally read it. it took me a two fifteen-minute work breaks and a lunch to get through about 3/4ths of it. it's a light, breezy, easy read and is charming in its observations and perspective (the story is told from the viewpoint of an autistic boy). well, until he solves the mystery and starts on his "adventure." then it gets boggged down in its charms and perspective. too bad, it all started out so good.

i think i enjoyed helen dewitt's "the last samurai" better, which is similar to this book, and more engaging overall.