“One of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read. It’s truly moving, eye-opening, incredibly vivid.”—Jon Stewart, The Daily ShowNAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BYNPR • The Wall Street Journal • Bloomberg Business • BookishFINALIST FOR THE BOOKS FOR A BETTER LIFE FIRST BOOK AWARD • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERYou’ve never read a book like The Reason I Jump. Written by Naoki Higashida, a very … BESTSELLER
You’ve never read a book like The Reason I Jump. Written by Naoki Higashida, a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, it is a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within.
Using an alphabet grid to painstakingly construct words, sentences, and thoughts that he is unable to speak out loud, Naoki answers even the most delicate questions that people want to know. Questions such as: “Why do people with autism talk so loudly and weirdly?” “Why do you line up your toy cars and blocks?” “Why don’t you make eye contact when you’re talking?” and “What’s the reason you jump?” (Naoki’s answer: “When I’m jumping, it’s as if my feelings are going upward to the sky.”) With disarming honesty and a generous heart, Naoki shares his unique point of view on not only autism but life itself. His insights—into the mystery of words, the wonders of laughter, and the elusiveness of memory—are so startling, so strange, and so powerful that you will never look at the world the same way again.
In his introduction, bestselling novelist David Mitchell writes that Naoki’s words allowed him to feel, for the first time, as if his own autistic child was explaining what was happening in his mind. “It is no exaggeration to say that The Reason I Jump allowed me to round a corner in our relationship.” This translation was a labor of love by David and his wife, KA Yoshida, so they’d be able to share that feeling with friends, the wider autism community, and beyond. Naoki’s book, in its beauty, truthfulness, and simplicity, is a gift to be shared.
Praise for The Reason I Jump
“This is an intimate book, one that brings readers right into an autistic mind.”—Chicago Tribune (Editor’s Choice)
“Amazing times a million.”—Whoopi Goldberg, People
“The Reason I Jump is a Rosetta stone. . . . This book takes about ninety minutes to read, and it will stretch your vision of what it is to be human.”—Andrew Solomon, The Times (U.K.)
“Extraordinary, moving, and jeweled with epiphanies.”—The Boston Globe
“Small but profound . . . [Higashida’s] startling, moving insights offer a rare look inside the autistic mind.”—Parade
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The book explains the reasons why autistic children respond as they do. I believe that this book would be of interest for parents, teachers, social workers and therapists who interact with these children. I had expected a family’s account of life with an autistic son.
A great opportunity to learn re autism though I as a Child Psychiatrist treated many people with this unfortunate disorder. Very worth reading by anyone.
Nice to see something written by someone who is actually on the autism spectrum.
Loved this insight into the life of a young man who is truly alive. His disability does not prevent him from loving people, and life, and dreaming. A joyful celebration of a life that matters and is worth all the work and struggle. Loved it!
I have a daughter, 36 years old with Aspers and this book was still very helpful in understanding her.
This book is wonderful. Get into the mind of an autistic person and learn how they think!
As a teacher I work with many children on the autism spectrum. This book helped me to see the world through the eyes of a special needs child – one who faces insurmountable challenges every day. A must read for teachers, parents and anyone interested in the mind of an person with autism.
A must read for anyone interested in learning about autism or dealing with anloved one with autism. It is hopeful.
The personal tragedy of this disability. I will interact with autistic people differently after reading this.
A glimpse into autism from a person who has it; contributes to understanding and acceptance. I’m glad I read it.
Touching. Amazing true story.
I’ve always been interested in learning more about autism, and Naoki, a 13-year-old autistic boy, is able to explain and describe how autism affects his everyday life. A very well-written and eye-opening read.
As it was written by a thirteen year old, it got repetitious after awhile for me though I did get overall insights into people with autism.
Great insights into an autistic child!
I like the idea that Autistic kids and adults may be much more intelligent than we realize
It was very hard to me to reconcile the portrait of the severely autistic character with coherent and sometimes eloquent writing. I am probably just prejudiced, but the more I read, the less I believed it. Which kind of negate the intended role of a book, to explain to us the bizarre behavior of people on the autistic specter. If you can trust it was, in fact, the disabled boy who wrote it – it becomes a powerful message to the society about the needs, motivation, and emotions behind the lowered eyes of an autistic kid.
Excellent book if you are wondering how one autistic young man thinks and functions. A really good read. I highly recommend this book.