Boy Alone

A Brother's Memoir

By: Karl Taro Greenfeld

Narrated by: William Dufris

Karl Taro Greenfeld knew from an early age that his little brother, Noah, was not like other children. He was unable to communicate verbally or tie his shoes, and despite his angelic demeanor was prone to violent outbursts. No doctor, social worker, or specialist could pinpoint what was wrong with Noah beyond a general diagnosis: autism. The boys' parents dedicated their lives to caring for their younger son? A challenging, often painful experience that their father detailed in a bestselling trilogy of books.

Boy Alone is Karl Taro Greenfeld's unforgettable memoir of growing up in Noah's shadow, revealing the complex mix of rage, confusion, and love that defined the author's childhood? A beautiful, haunting, and wholly original exploration of what it means to be a family, a brother, a person.

©2009, 2011 Karl Taro Greenfeld (P)2011 HarperCollinsPublishers

Surprise Ending

I felt betrayed by the narrating character at the end of the story. It is interesting though.

A Confusing End

This book has been on my wanted list for a long time so I was gratified it was available in audible. The reading was incredible and captured all of the emotions and emphasis of the writer. The story was a touching tale of a family impacted by autism. It had me engrossed from the beginning. The end was a complete surprise. I would have appreciated a further more detailed explanation of the ending. Totally agree with the discussion in the afterward.

This story is a made up dream

Here I was, cheering Noah on through his supposed breakthroughs, his supporting his brother in therapy, his girlfriend...and then the author admits it was his dream. What?!
In my opinion, the loving acts of kindness toward Noah before the author says he made progress in great strides, is also a lie. I feel like Noah was really a giant, unlovable burden to his family.
I also did not care to hear the author's insensitive description of Noah's supposed girlfriend's features as a woman with Downs Syndrome.
How very disappointing.