Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern

Eye Contact
by Cammie McGovern
Pub. Date: 2006
Genre: Fiction
290pp

Synopsis from BN.com:
Click Here

Why I Picked It:
Another stroll down the Bargain Book aisle (but the cover of my book isn't as compelling as this one in my post)... Simple answer: I seem to be on a kick of mystery murder thrillers with survivor characters named Adam (see also In The Woods). Real answer: This book, like The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night-Time, deals with autism, and offers what reads to be another compelling and realistic insight into this challenge.

My Review:
I couldn't put this book down. I'm here in Phoenix and should be sleeping, but the plot kept thickening. So glad we have two rooms here -- my husband kicked me out of our room because he wanted the light out, and so here I am hiding out in Andrew's room having just finished.

I thought a few times that I had it all figured out, and was surprised at how wrong I was as the plot details twisted and turns. Here's what I can tell you without giving anything away. It's the story of two children, both with autism, who disappear into the woods behind their elementary school. Several hours later, Adam emerges, but beautiful blonde Amelia does not. Adam shuts down completely, but through a partnering with another child determined to solve the crime and assuage his own conscience, Adam begins to reemerge (as much as a child with this affliction can).

Through several characters points of view, intermixed with character back stories that are just as interesting as the main plot of the story, the struggle and challenges of autism and really, other types of handicapping afflictions as well, are carefully, sensitively revealed. This is such an impressive read. I thought it was just going to be about autism, but as I learn more about all the other characters, who are classified as "normal", I am beginning to wonder who has the worst affliction. It's a smart, insightful, and powerful read. I'm equally thrilled and amazed that this one landed in the bargain aisle. I think I would have happily paid full price for this one.