600 Hours of Edward

Edward is a 39 yo man diagnosed as developmentally disabled. He does everything at the same time of the day, everyday. He wakes up, does his daily routine, meets with his therapist once a week, drives his car, does grocery, watches his favorite TV series every night and sleeps every night at the same time. Edward life's chorus can be summarized by four sentences: Buckley is a very logical person. My data is complete. These are mentioned many times in the book. They never get annoying. Edward doesn't like change.

He reads the newspaper everyday, especially the weather section and keeps tabs for the daily predicted temperatures, which he compares to the factual ones the next day. The only worthwhile things in life are those that you can rely on. These are things I do not need. So when new neighbors move in near him, changes in Edward's life begin to appear and he finds himself questioning his actions and beliefs.

Edward is a very complex character, as every character with Asperger Syndrome. He's not a teenager or a young man. He is more mature and his long therapy with his therapist has helped him to deal with his issues and struggles. He is a very logical and reasonable man. Reading about how he sees the world is an amazing experience: A heart is a mysterious thing to know. But the mechanics of the heart are not what people are talking about when they say such things. There are some heart-breaking moments so very well described.

You can feel Edward's pain and his internal battles to deal with it.

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3. Book Review: Hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster | Thrive Detroit;

I do feel like I am alone sometimes. But as you rightly point out, I am not alone. I have my mother. And I have a memory of my father that is a happy one. Thank you, Michael Stipe, for writing such perfect songs. The writing is exceptional. Every page makes you reflect about life. Being in Edward's mind is an extraordinary thing. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to see the world differently and more colorful.

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books. I liked this one. This book was a bit different from what I would normally pick up. I heard a few good things about it so I took a closer look once I noticed that it was available to borrow from Amazon through Prime Reading. I loved the idea of a main character who is living with Asperger's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, so I decided to give it a try and I am really glad that I did.

Edward was a great character. I liked him from the start and as the story progressed, I liked him more and more. Edward's life revolves around routines. With few exceptions, each day looks largely like the previous one. Things do shake up his life quite a bit by the end of the book and there is definitely some character growth for Edward during the course of the story. I thought that his character felt very authentic in the way that he dealt with other people and handled his emotions.

This book is repetitive because Edward's life is repetitive. There are certain events and phrases that happen over and over throughout the book. Each day of Edward's life would bring a new cycle of the book. I think that the decision to take the reader through each day with Edward helped to really show how much the events in the story changed his life. Edward's life at the end of the book looks very different than it does at the start and it was great to take the journey with him. Luke Daniels does a fantastic job with the narration of this book. One of the reasons that I decided to listen to this book was because I have enjoyed his work in the past.

I thought that he was able to bring Edward to life in way that really added to the story. He did a great job with all of the character voices and adding emotion to the reading. I listened to this book for hours at a time and finished it within a few days and thought that he was a perfect match for the story. I would recommend this book to others. I really enjoyed going along with Edward as he navigated the changes and his life and made new connections.

I did notice that this book is listed as the first in a series but it tells a very complete story so I am not sure if I will read the other installments. I would not hesitate to read more from Craig Lancaster in the future. Initial Thoughts This isn't the kind of book that I pick up often. I noticed this one being offered in the Amazon Prime lending program. I love have enjoyed the narrator's work before so I decided to look closer at the book. It was a really good story.

It could be repetitive at times but that was just a reflection of Edward's life. Borrowed from Amazon Prime Lending They are not so easy to understand. I know Edward, I know. View all 13 comments. That hurt my feelings. I have one, and while he did buy this house for me to live in, he also has his lawyer send me a lot of letters and may not have given any thought to radiant floor heating. I never could find a way to make you proud of me, and at some point, I think I stopped trying. When you were here, I blamed you for that. I think now, the failure is mine It occurs to me that death is a funny thing - not funny in a laughter sort of way, but in a twisty sort of way.

It's the people who are left behind who have to grapple with the regret. The one who is gone is just gone. I hope you have regret about what happened yesterday. This is a beautiful book, I was hooked from the first page: Edward endeared himself to me right away, I just wanted to give him a hug and watch Dragnet with him. He's easy to root for and wormed his way under my skin so that I rushed back to break at work and whatever I was doing in real life to get back to his story. The 'Letters of Complaint' is something I've heard other people recommend before, and I'm glad it worked for Edward view spoiler [ while it did.

I was also proud of him for deciding to discontinue them at the end and try to let some things go.

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I hope that works out for him hide spoiler ] His growth through the did seem rushed at times view spoiler [and in real life I'm sure it wouldn't be the case hide spoiler ] but it was also beautiful to watch. His friendship with Donna and Kyle had me smiling and wishing I could have taken pictures Kyle is a sweet boy and his mom is a good person One scene I was especially proud of Edward and giving him pats on the back the entire time. Definitely going to have to thank my friend Shaun for turning me onto this amazing story. Buckley was the perfect fit as a therapist for Edward There was a scene near the end with someone from Edward's past that had me smiling from ear to ear as well.

In fact, I seem to be smiling alot with this book This did remind me of the Rosie Project in some ways but they are two different yet equally amazing stories. Julie's review here Zoe's review here Linda's review View all 9 comments. Please read this book.

A beautifully written story about a 39 yr old man suffering from both OCD and Aspergers syndrome. I have so many emotions about this book, and I really need a few days to process them all before writing a proper review. I will say right now that this was one of the best books I have ever read, and that Edward is by far one of the most endearing characters I have ever been introduced to.

I find it amazing that Lancaster was so successful in keeping the perfect balance between a sweet and touching story about an isolated man very much facing life as a misunderstood outsider, to a silly comedy about a misfit who lacks the people skills needed to navigate through day to day life. And that in a book of less than pages he was able to get both sides of that man's story across so well. Edward is all about routine. He starts his day by recording the time he opened his eyes and the weather forecast in a notebook he keeps beside the bed. He eats the same food week after week.

He watches one episode of Dragnet only from the last season at 10pm every night. He writes a daily "Letter of Complaint" to people who anger him a suggestion by his therapist, who also encourages him to never mail the letters but file them away instead and is in bed each night by 12am. His life is on a continuous loop until his new neighbors arrive across the street. The way that Edward ends up dealing with that curve ball being thrown into his life is both touching and believable. The way the author deals with Edward as a character is also damn close to perfect.

His obsessive behavior never comes off as pathetic or makes the reader feel uncomfortable. Instead the author makes us fall in love with this flawed and troubled man in a way that makes his quirks only part of his charm. I am so glad I decided to take a chance on this book, because this was a reading experience that will remain with me for a long time. And Edward is most definitely someone I will never forget. View all 4 comments. I finished this 5-star read at I have recorded it on Goodreads and my data is complete.

It is my th book of the year and it is one of my favourites. I don't cry at books much at all. This book is one of two books that have made me cry this year. The other is Boy's Life , which is probably my book of the year.

Book Review: Hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster | Opinions of a Wolf

I went into this not knowing what to expect really. It started off slowly, getting to know the main character, Edward and all his quirks which provide many a funny moment. And th I finished this 5-star read at Emotional stuff starts happening which punched me right in the heart, in a good way. One of the most endearing, and surprising books I've ever read. I also really like the way the author ends things. Sep 25, Sofia rated it it was amazing Recommended to Sofia by: The Triumph of Connection - Connecting any which way possible.

I've made an Edward shaped place in my heart for him to stay in. Great writing Mr Lancaster, I even came to expect the necessary data we have to complete every day, quite necessary, it shows where we are.

Book Review: 600 Hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster

I call the letters of complaint - letters of connection, they are the communication that Edward is unable to have face to face. I feel quite bereft now that I finished the last page. View all 5 comments. Jun 13, Laura rated it it was amazing Shelves: Who'd have thought it'd be better the second time through? If you enjoy books that can make you laugh one minute while being introspective and meaningful the next, you owe it to yourself to try this one books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine come to mind.

The first time I read this, I switched between the library book and the Audible, which I'd purchased. I needed to break out of a reading block and a friend reminded me that sometimes rereads are good for this. This book w Wow. This book was exactly what I needed, and for that reason, I upgraded it to a five-star read this time. He experiences quite a lot of growth throughout this story and starts to really connect with his emotions and the feelings and needs of others.

Some of the themes include mental illness obv , domestic violence, strained familial relationships, and friendship. This is a book I'm so glad I own because I know that in another few years, I'll be able to enjoy it once again. I can't recommend this one enough if it sounds like something that will suit your mood. It may seem like just another humorous read, but it's really much more than that, and deserves a much wider readership, imo.

I'll be continuing with the series and reading the author's other books as well. It seems light on the surface, but there's a lot of depth underneath. I loved all of the characters, and enjoyed the fact that this book made me laugh out loud several times. It's hard to get used to the main character's voice at the beginning, as he suffers from Asperger's and OCD. But stick with it, and you'll be glad you did. You'll laugh and cry with Edward, and you can't help but love him. The audio performance for this one is not to be missed.

It is available through Audible. This is one that greatly enhances the written text. I'm amazed that all of the voices performed were actually read by only one person, Luke Daniels. View all 19 comments. Oct 17, Noeleen rated it it was amazing. What an absolute little gem of a book! Great characters, great story and so very well written. Edward is such an adorable character that you absolutely cannot help falling in love with him. There are many laugh out loud moments nicely counterbalanced with many heartbreaking moments, most especially his turbulent relationship with his father.

We could all learn lessons from Edward through his thoughts and perspectives on life. I adored his 'letters of complaints' and I want to watch Dra What an absolute little gem of a book! I adored his 'letters of complaints' and I want to watch Dragnet! I would send my own 'letter of complaint' right now to the author if there wasn't a follow up book already available Looking forward to reading more about Edward very soon. I read this in 24 hours because I just could not put it down May 28, Trudy rated it really liked it Shelves: I just spent delightful, intense, happy, annoying, enlightening, frustrating, hopeful hours , in the life of Edward Staton, a 39 year old man with a developmental disability.

Although, people on this spectrum can vary quite a bit, many of Edward's "hours" reminded me of my precious son, Kevin. I'm very thankful for this book, and others, which give people insight into the world of this ever growing, segment of our population. My hope is that people will become more accepting and u 4.

My hope is that people will become more accepting and understanding as our adults maneuver their way though a society which is often very complicated and irrational to them. I became very emotionally involved in this story and at times I wanted to put Edward in a protective "bubble". However, like all other young people, Edward had to experience both the wonderful and the painful aspects of life in order to grow.

I'm getting there with my Kevin, too.

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So, the only reason this was not a 5 star read for me was the "rushed" ending. However, I do recommend it very highly. I have never regretted an audible-add on, yet. The narrator was excellent. I wanted to wait and finish book on my commute over the next few days, but curiosity got the better of me, and I finished it when I got home. This book is very easy reading. Edward, the main character, is endearing. Edward was someone that you wanted to root for, but not someone you felt sorry for.

There was, also, an inherent optimism in the story. Books should have a definitive ending. Yes, of course he walked across the street, but Edward should have made-up with his neighbor in this book. All you have to do is write a good book. I am already missing reading about Edward even if he isn't real , but I am pleased to see that Lancaster has written two further novels featuring the character.

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I might have to check these out too. It does seem there is rather a trend for novels with autistic narrators written by non-autistic authors, and they seem to go along something like this: This is two minutes later than the average time I have woken up so far this year there have been days so far because it's a leap year.

I keep a chart of it, along with the numbers of left turns and right turns It does seem there is rather a trend for novels with autistic narrators written by non-autistic authors, and they seem to go along something like this: I keep a chart of it, along with the numbers of left turns and right turns I make in every journey, and the estimates I make of the body weight and age of every person I meet, because we autistic people love numbers and applying them to pointless things like this, and mentioning these things on every page will remind you that I'm autistic and that this book is written by a clever author who knows all about autism.

They see him for the good man struggling with an illness that he is. Of course, Edward is not left with a free ride. The people around him expect him to do what he can to function better from taking his Fluoxetine every day to faithfully attending his appointments with Dr. Buckley and pushing his own boundaries. It is a message of the hope that is possible when everyone involved works to overcome a mental illness. There were two draw-backs to the book, however. One was that the repeated summaries of Dragnet episodes every chapter were quite dull.

It was a lot of narrative space taken up to make a point that was already made with the much shorter recording of the weather and waking times every morning. This is minor and easily skimmed over though. My other issue is actually that I think the book ended too soon. I think the point at which it ended was chosen for some sense of supposed literary quality rather than telling the whole story. It felt a bit short-lived. This sounds so interest and a lot different to what I usually read. You are commenting using your WordPress. You are commenting using your Twitter account. You are commenting using your Facebook account.

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