51 pages • 1 hour read
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
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Book Brief
178
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2010s
2007
Adult
13+ years
1000L
Super Short Summary
The Reason I Jump is a 2007 nonfiction biography by Naoki Higashida, a Japanese teenager with nonspeaking autism. In it, Higashida answers questions about his condition, explaining that difficulties in verbal communication arise from a temporal "gap" between thought and expression, and explores bodily challenges and societal misunderstandings, emphasizing a deep connection between his autism and identity. Sensitive topics include the death of a child.
Informative
Inspirational
Contemplative
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
70,716 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida provides an insightful glimpse into the mind of a non-verbal autistic teenager, receiving praise for its honesty and revealing narrative. However, some critics question the authenticity of the voice due to translation and authorship concerns. Overall, it offers valuable perspectives but faces skepticism over its true representation.
Who Should Read The Reason I Jump?
A reader who would enjoy The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida is likely interested in personal narratives that offer deep insights into the experience of autism. They may also appreciate books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon or Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin for their authentic perspectives and empathy-driven storytelling.
70,716 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
David Stephen Mitchell
David Stephen Mitchell
A British novelist and translator who, alongside his wife, translated the book into English, driven by his personal experiences with autism through his family.
178
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2010s
2007
Adult
13+ years
1000L
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