The Reason I Jump

"What this nontraditional memoir taught me: My anguish makes others suffer, especially when I can’t communicate. And: Just because I can’t stop doing something doesn’t mean I enjoy it. Turns out this 13-year-old Japanese boy with autism has me figured out. Add his clarity and gentle spirit and you’ve got magic. “Stay close by and keep a gentle eye on us, and while we’re swept up in our torment, please stop us from hurting ourselves or others.” Sounds like a prayer, doesn’t it? What a kid."

"What are you planning to read next? Several months ago my friend David Ebershoff sent me "The Reason I Jump," by Naoki Higashida, a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with autism at age 5."