Best Boy

A Novel

By: Eli Gottlieb

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

For fans of TheCurious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime comes this landmark novel about autism, memory, and, ultimately, redemption.

Sent to a "therapeutic community" for autism at the age of 11, Todd Aaron, now in his '50s, is the "old fox" of Payton Living Center. A joyous man who rereads the encyclopedia compulsively, he is unnerved by the sudden arrivals of a menacing new staffer and a disruptive, brain-injured roommate. His equilibrium is further worsened by Martine, a one-eyed new resident who has romantic intentions and convinces him to go off his meds to feel "normal" again. Undone by these pressures, Todd attempts an escape to return "home" to his younger brother and to a childhood that now inhabits only his dreams.

Written astonishingly in the first-person voice of an autistic, adult man, Best Boy - with its unforgettable portraits of Todd's beloved mother, whose sweet voice still sings from the grave, and a staffer named Raykene, who says that Todd reflects the beauty of God's creation - is a piercing, achingly funny, finally shattering novel no listener can ever forget.

©2015 Eli Gottlieb (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

S L O W

I was about half way through when I gave up. To that point the story hints at something happening, but nothing had, other than the story outline of an adult hat had spent his life in various institutions.

A long Journey

Would you listen to Best Boy again? Why?

No, I don't like to do that as there are more books out there.

What did you like best about this story?

I saw through a different set of eyes. I gained understanding about the special need person that I did not have before this reading.

Did Bronson Pinchot do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

The story was told in first person, so really did not apply

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I found the book tiresome. I gained insight, and would recommend, but it does go on for quite a long time. Of course, that helps with the appreciation of autism.

Wow! Really enjoyed this book!

Loved every minute of it! Great Finale. If you have had ever known anyone who is Autistic, or mentally challenged, this will certainly bring you to tears. Well-written, and a great narrator. My husband drug his feet in the first chapters, but eventually got involved and enjoyed it also. ( he's more of a mystery/drama type guy) Totally recommend!

Glimpse of Autism

Although this book was slow to start it became something I wanted to finish. Having a son on the autism spectrum it made the book fun to listen to. This book provides a glimpse in the life of a higher functioning autistic person. It's worth the read/listen if autism interests you.

it was a sweet story, worth the listen.

this story wasn't life changing, or something to rave about. but it was sweet and worth a listen if you have time.

Beautiful, engaging story

As a special education teacher, I found this book fascinating! It was eye-opening to hear a story from the viewpoint of someone who has autism. Not only was the story engaging, but the inner dialogue and reactions of the main character added a lot. I think this is a must read for everyone. Those who have developmental disabilities or work closely with people who do may closely relate, and those who don't will be shown a foreign world and gain better understanding. There couldn't have been a better person to read the book. Excellent presentation.

Fantastic Book + Narration!

What a wonderful story and perfect narration. This book earns 10’s all the way!!!

Another Autism Story, More or Less

Todd Aaron, a man in his 40s, has spent so much time in an institution (Peyton Living Center) that he is known as one of their "ambassadors," assigned to give tours to incoming patients. It's never exactly stated what Todd's problem is, but clearly he is on the autism spectrum. His voice (as narrated by Bronson Pinchot) is flat, except when he is overly anxious or afraid; he doesn't like to be touched; he has some odd habits and practices repetitive gestures. Things happen to and around Todd, but he doesn't react as most people would; he has little sense of appropriate v. inappropriate and is often taken advantage of This is his story, narrated by Todd from the perspective of the world as he sees it. He takes us back to memories of the father who brutalized him, the mother who loved him and carted him off to a series of doctors and institutions, the brother who was cruel to him. We see what it's like for Todd to almost fall in love with the one-eyed Martine, to long to be welcomed into his brother's home, to fear the staff member he calls Mike the Apron.

Call me jaded, but I found this novel just a bit too sweet and many of the characters stereotypical. I stuck with it to the end, but overall, it was a mediocre read/listen for me.

A little confused...

Bronson Pinchot did an amazing job of portraying a man with autism. The author must have either personal knowledge of someone with autism or was very thorough in the research. It was a very well told story. But I'm just not sure what the point of it was. It didn't go anywhere. Nothing was resolved. I was left with more questions than answers.

Lovely story

A unique story that was informative and heartfelt. The narrator did a solid job and told the story with compassion and personality.