The Reason I Jump cover art

The Reason I Jump

One Boy's Voice from the Silence of Autism

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The Reason I Jump

By: Naoki Higashida, David Mitchell - translator, Keiko Yoshida - translator
Narrated by: David Mitchell, Thomas Judd
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About this listen

Written by Naoki Higishida when he was only 13, this remarkable book explains the often baffling behaviour of autistic children and shows the way they think and feel - about the people around them, time and beauty, noise, and themselves.

Naoki abundantly proves that autistic people do possess imagination, humour and empathy, but also makes clear, with great poignancy, how badly they need our compassion, patience and understanding.

David Mitchell and his wife have translated Naoki's book so that it might help others dealing with autism, and generally illuminate a little-understood condition. Like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, it gives us an exceptional chance to enter the mind of another and see the world from a strange and fascinating perspective.

©2007 Naoki Higashida; translation © 2013 KA Yoshida and David Mitchell (P)2013 Hodder & Stoughton Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Neurodiversity Relationships Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Autism

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All stars
Most relevant

Would you listen to The Reason I Jump again? Why?

The book is written very well so would definitely listen to it again

What did you like best about this story?

Found the whole book interesting and it made me really think how to care for children like the author

What does David Mitchell and Thomas Judd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I find it easier to remember the story when it's read to me

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I think it would be quite difficult to make a film out of this book you would need to make a film about the author

Any additional comments?

If you have any interest in SEN CHILDREN definitely listen to or read this book

BRILLIANT

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Plenty of interesting insights about autism. All question answered by Japanese autistic person are joyfull and hopeful. His stories are also very good. Narration well done. Would reccomend this book.

wonderful audiobook about autism

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This book doesn't give guidance on how handle dealing with Autistic children but an understanding on why.
I really enjoyed expanding on my understanding and gaining additional knowledge.

I work with Autistic children. This book helps. x

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes and to anyone working with autistic children, because it helps us to understand a bit more and to be more compassionate in daily living with people who are autistic.

What other book might you compare The Reason I Jump to, and why?

I have nothing to compare it with

Which character – as performed by David Mitchell and Thomas Judd – was your favourite?

They were all one.

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

No. The questions put forward are often different ways of asking the same thing so I prefered to listen in sections. I understand that this was probably for the boys comfort and to get a more extensive answer on the subject matter in question.

Any additional comments?

A very interesting listen, worth spreading the word about.

A brilliant insight

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Being mum of autistic girl I wish everyone would read this book to understand how much struggle our children have to go through and stop judging them by their appearance. The book gives you good understanding of autistic minds. Definitely looking at my girl with more patience, understanding and strength in this difficult times.

Brilliant

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