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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I loved the Q&A style and felt that I understood and agreed with the Japanese author apart from at one point when it was suggested that carers try to control autistic people when doing a specific thing......I'll leave you to judge for yourself. All in all, a really good audiobook and well worth the cost.

Excellent (from someone living with autism)

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I enjoyed the book and narration but I'm unsure if these insights are universal it's difficult to say.
The boy's insight , and vocabulary is incredible for anyone of that age

An Interesting Insight into 1 persons autism

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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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