Best Boy: A Novel - Hardcover

"The latest from Gottlieb (The Boy Who Went Away) is written through the perspective of Todd: his voice is spectacular, oscillating between casual and obsessive and frequently challenging the stereotypes that haunt those with autism and similar conditions. The story will appeal to a very broad range of readers: it's a fast read, and the plot is never less than captivating.... Gottlieb's attention to crafting Todd's internal monologue is something to behold." -- Publishers Weekly, Starred review "In the clear-as-a-tinkling-bell voice of Todd Aaron, Gottlieb reveals how certain events and experiences cause this fiftysomething man with autism to suddenly go into a post-post-post-adolescent rebellion.... But in the way of all things happening for a reason, Gottlieb's marvelous novel has happened so that readers may be in awe of all the universe'screations." -- Donna Chavez - Booklist, Starred review "I've fallen in love with Best Boy, touched by its delicacy and fearless truths." -- Cynthia Ozick "Best Boy is a remarkable achievement-an intimate and convincing portrayal of what the world looks like from inside the mind of a mentally handicapped but unusually sensitive, observant, and decent man." -- Alison Lurie "This astonishing story of goodness and resilience, about the adventure of loving and being loved, is a marvel of Wordsworthian perception, inviting us to behold existence through unclouded eyes, with an unguarded heart, as though we and the world had never grown apart. The music of consciousness playing in these pages will stay with you long after you've finished reading. A literary experience of piercing, invigorating, profound humanity. A homecoming that restores the mind and soul." -- Walter Kirn "Amid the flood of books about autism in childhood comes this gripping novel about the fresher territory of autism in midlife. It is written with elan, wit, and great empathy, and it limns in fiction the crisis our nation faces in real life as we try to construct viable supports for this burgeoning population." -- Andrew Solomon "[An] eloquent, sensitive rendering of a marginalized life.... Gottlieb merits praise for both the endearing eloquence of Todd's voice and a deeply sympathetic parable that speaks to a time when rising autism rates and long-lived elders force many to weigh tough options." -- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review "Powerful and engaging.... Gottlieb has created something quite exceptional in [Todd Aaron]. His interior life and psychology are convincingly drawn.... A deeply moving portrait of a kind and gentle soul. Recommended for all readers." -- Patrick Sullivan - Library Journal, Starred review "Readers will cheer-and shudder-for intelligent, compassionate Todd as he grows in this powerfully sad slice-of-life title." -- Douglas Lord - Library Journal "Fascinating.... Gottlieb's imaginings of what's going on in the mind of an adult living somewhere on the autism spectrum feel credible and real.... Lyrical." -- Carol Memmott - Chicago Tribune "Raw and beautiful.... With a mesmerizingly rhythmic narration.... What rises and shines from the page is Todd Aaron, a hero of such singular character and clear spirit that you will follow him anywhere. You won't just root for him, you will fight and push and pray for him to wrest control of his future. You will read this book in one sitting or maybe two, and, I promise, you will miss this man deeply when you are done." -- Ann Bauer - The Washington Post "Arresting.... The book's empathy is bracing." -- The New Yorker "Engrossing.... Taking us into Todd's consciousness where emotions are visceral sensations, Gottlieb beautifully illuminates a little-understood world." -- People Magazine "Affecting.... Todd's is an engaging and nuanced consciousness, so vital that the reader feels profound tenderness-and distinct fear-as this sweet man ventures out into the world.... As ill-advised as his flight might be, we stand on the ground below...enchanted by the simplicity of his soaring." -- Bret Anthony Johnston - New York Times Book Review

Sent to a "therapeutic community" for autism at the age of eleven, Todd Aaron, now in his fifties, is the "Old Fox" of Payton LivingCenter. 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 His creation"-is a piercing, achingly funny, finally shattering novel no reader can ever forget.