Mark Haddon
Information about the author and his work is available at http://www.markhaddon.com/
Get personal with Mark Haddon
In February of 2019, Mark Haddon had a triple heart bypass. Here is the text of the article that he wrote about his experience. Very interesting: http://www.markhaddon.com/news
Other Books by Mark Haddon
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The novel was adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens and produced by the National Theatre in 2012. It transferred to the Apollo (and then the Gielgud) in the west End the following year and won seven Olivier Awards in 2013; a Broadway production was staged at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2014 and won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play. Subsequently there have been two UK tours, a US tour and an International Tour. The production returned to the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End in 2018. There have been many other productions around the world, all using the same adaptation.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you think this novel bridges the gap between literature for adults and children?
2. What do you think Haddon's illustrations add to the story and to our understanding of Christopher's character?
3. Although seemingly ill equipped as the narrator of a book, Christopher's character succeeds in eliciting a wide range of emotions in the reader. How do you think Haddon uses his protagonists voice to touch his audience in such a way?
4. Discuss the relationship between father and son in the novel. How well do you think Christopher's father copes with his son's condition?
5. The author has used his extensive knowledge of Asperger's syndrome to allow us to see the world through Christopher's eyes, how do you think the story further enhances our attachment to the character and our enjoyment of the book in general?
6. How far do you think the author has used Christopher's alienating condition to expose intricate truths about our modern lives? Do you think this was his intention in Christopher's exposure of his parent's secret?
(Questions issued by publisher.)
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by ISBN: 9781400032716Publication Date: 2004-05-18A bestselling modern classic--both poignant and funny--about a boy with autism who sets out to solve the murder of a neighbor's dog and discovers unexpected truths about himself and the world. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow. This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels.
Read A-Likes
The Girl He Used to Know by ISBN: 9781250200358Publication Date: 2019-04-02Annika Rose is anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess. Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game--and his heart--to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone. Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.
Love Anthony by ISBN: 9781439164686Publication Date: 2012-09-25A novel about autism, friendship, and unconditional love. Lisa Genova offers a unique perspective in fiction--the extraordinary voice of Anthony, a nonverbal boy with autism. Anthony reveals a neurologically plausible peek inside the mind of autism, why he hates pronouns, why he loves swinging and the number three, how he experiences routine, joy, and love. In this powerfully unforgettable story, Anthony teaches two women about the power of friendship and helps them to discover the universal truths that connect us all.
The Speed of Dark by ISBN: 9780345447555Publication Date: 2003-01-01In the near future, disease will be a condition of the past. Most genetic defects will be removed at birth; the remaining during infancy. Unfortunately, there will be a generation left behind. Lou Arrendale is a member of that lost generation. Part of a small group of high-functioning autistic adults, he has a steady job, a car, friends, and a passion for fencing. He lives a low-key, independent life. He does his best to be as normal as possible and not to draw attention to himself. But then his quiet life comes under attack. It starts with an experimental treatment that will reverse the effects of autism in adults. But if he was suddenly free of autism, would he still be himself? Would he still love the same classical music? Would he still see the same colors and patterns in the world–shades and hues that others cannot see? Would he still love Marjory, a woman who may never be able to reciprocate his feelings? Would it be easier for her to return the love of a “normal”? There are intense pressures coming from the world around him–including an angry supervisor who wants to cut costs by sacrificing the supports necessary to employ autistic workers. Lou must decide if he should submit to a surgery that might completely change the way he views the world . . . and the very essence of who he is.
