An autistic boy sets out to unravel the mystery behind the death of his neighbor's murdered dog, beginning an astonishing adventure that will turn his entire world upside down. Published in 40 countries and selling over 4 million copies, this is one of the most original novels ever written! This coming-of-age novel captures the extraordinary inner world of an autistic boy through a distinctive narrative style and more than 30 delightful illustrations. As he works to solve the mystery of the killing, the protagonist solves math problems in his head, eats only red foods (never yellow or brown), and cries out whenever someone touches him—for him, it is the world of other people that is the truly bigger mystery. This book has been recognized as one of the most original novels of our time, winning 17 literary awards including Britain's prestigious Whitbread Award. Its rights have been sold in 40 countries, with sales exceeding 4 million copies worldwide. This is the coming-of-age story of a boy who breaks free from the confines of his narrow world and begins to understand life around him—a fifteen-year-old autistic boy's remarkable aphorisms on life. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a delightful and moving coming-of-age novel that portrays the inner world of a fifteen-year-old autistic boy through a truly unique narrative style. Author Mark Haddon courageously reveals the inner world of Christopher, an autistic boy, through prose that is both intelligent and full of humor, earning praise even before publication as the creator of a 'second Holden Caulfield' (the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye). The book received rave reviews from literary publications across the board. Like the Harry Potter series, it was published in the UK in two different editions—one designed for children, one for adults—to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. This novel is a story-within-a-story, blending the events the protagonist experiences with the book he writes about them, functioning as both a mystery novel centered on the killing of a neighbor's dog and a coming-of-age novel about the protagonist's inner growth through the many experiences he undergoes. The novel has a truly unique character, filled with descriptions so real they seem beyond fiction—the almost unnatural meticulousness characteristic of autism, alongside a rich inner world that most people could never imagine. Christopher Boone, the narrator who unravels the mystery, relieves tension by solving math problems in his head, eats only red foods (never yellow or brown), and cries out whenever someone touches his body. He may appear strange to others, but to him, it is the people of the world who are the greater mystery—because he lacks what most people possess: a theory of mind, the intuitive ability to sense what others are thinking. One quiet night, the neighbor's dog is brutally killed. This incident becomes the catalyst for Christopher to act as a detective, speaking to strangers he has never met, and to expose himself to the wider world in his search for his mother. In overcoming his autism, he leaves the world he has always known behind and journeys to London—a much larger world. Sensing a crisis of his own existence, Christopher must go through a rite of passage—a journey of wandering and adventure to fully find his place in the world. Christopher's following monologue is a wonderful example of genuine growth of self: "I now know I can do it, because I went to London on my own, and I solved the mystery of Who Killed Wellington?, and I found my mother and I was brave and I wrote a book and that means I can do anything." Above all, Christopher is a deeply endearing character who draws readers into genuine empathy. Contrary to the stereotype of autism as a condition that cuts one off from the outside world, Christopher is instead overwhelmed by outside sensations. And yet, he never stops his emotional journey toward engaging with the world around him. Author Mark Haddon, who created this captivating protagonist, published his first book at age 22 and has since written many children's books. He has worked as an illustrator and cartoonist, written radio scripts, and is also a poet and painter who has won the British Academy Television Award for children's drama twice. This is his first novel.