51 pages 1 hour read

Naoki Higashida

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2007

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

13+years

Lexile Level

1000L

Book Details

Topics

Health / Medicine

Psychology

Disability

Themes

Identity: Disability

Natural World: Appearance & Reality

Society: Community

Genre

Japanese Literature

Psychology

Biography