Thoughts on: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

I've read a few books (fiction) about autism and this is one of those that I liked most. Yes, I would recommend this for everyone, parents especially (even those whose kids do not have autism). No, I won't go as far as saying it's an awesome book. For one, this is not a happy book, the main reason being ... it's too real. But that is also what makes it so good.

There should be a few different ways to rate this book instead of just an overall pick-a-number-of-stars-to-go-with-it. Here's an attempt (feeble, maybe) to explain my point. There may be a few spoilers although I'll try not to give away too much. 

1) Concept/Awareness/Cause/Subject: Five stars. I don't think I have to spell it out. This is one of those books that aim to raise awareness about autism in kids. What they are going through and why adults should rally alongside them and their ... let's call it "rights" for now because I can't seem to find a fitting word. 

2) Story telling: It's pretty generic. There's chronology, words are clear, pace is just right, I won't say it's dragging too as it's not a long book. Pretty straight forward so ... For that I'd give it a fair 3 stars.

3) Conflict. It's all over the place. The two main conflicts being: It's a story of a kid with autism whose parents are divorced and are both having some sort of affair. And as you can imagine, in a story like this, every other conflict has their own ... sub-conflicts. And since I'm a person who hates reality and its conflicts (heh) ... Four stars.

4) Twist and Conclusion/Ending: When I finished the book I thought ... "Oooookaaaaayyy ... That's it?" Then I thought, "Well, how do you expect it to end?" The too real story's ending is abrupt but the author actually made us a favor of giving us a realistic, but at least not tragic and traumatic, ending for the kid. Four stars.

Over all, it's far from Kite Runner or Orphan Master's son but they share something in common ... It kinda makes you wish you live in a better world.

Dear Captain Conceited ...

someone once told me, someone we both know, that at a very young age i've reached the highest maturity level a person can reach in a lifetime. one that someone like you will never get to. i don't agree. i have a lot of growing up to do. and i hope for your sake it's not true. after all ... i still want what's best for you.

i do. even if you cant do the same for anyone. not even yourself. even if a lot of people thinks you're a thick skinned leech who sucks people dry and still bad mouth them behind their backs. you can't be too obvious cause you know  there will come a time, they will still have their use. you will have a place for them. but when they realize what kind of person you are, you turn into the back stabbing bastard everyone thinks you are. or i should say know.

i pity you. you live a pretend life. you brag about the things you "can afford" because you need to prove yourself so bad to the whole world when the only person you need to prove yourself to is the one you see when you face the mirror. yourself.

you're not cool. you're pathetic. you don't realize your achievements are everyday things for the rest of the world. the "talent" that you have is not unique to you. all the things you have, im sorry but even your "loved" ones, will fade after a couple years. at your age you need to know which people you should keep close. and it's not someone who would look for a selfish diversion just because there is no convenient way out. how did it feel when you had the knife stuck in your back?

it's not your fault. every bad thing that happens to you is someone else's fault. it never is yours. you never take responsibility. only credit.

your life, your beliefs, your attitude … they're always better than the people around you. the truth is, there is always someone better than someone. you need to understand that, because the truth is, a lot of the people you've met are much better than you are. and they're better off without you. i know i will be. but hey … what are friends for.