A Boy Made of Blocks: The most uplifting novel of 2017 - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0751563277 ISBN 13: 9780751563276

Publisher: Sphere

Synopsis

Boy Made of Blocks

About this title

About the Author

In 2012 one of Keith Stuart's two sons was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. The ramifications felt huge. But then Keith and both boys started playing videogames together - especially Minecraft. Keith had always played games and, since 1995, has been writing about them, first for specialist magazines like Edge and PC Gamer then, for the last ten years, as games editor for the Guardian. The powerful creative sharing as a family and the blossoming of communication that followed informed his debut novel, A Boy Made of Blocks: a story about a dad who wants to communicate with his autistic son; a dad who has forgotten how to play. It is a story about letting go, about being a kid - which is how Keith learned about everything important in his life, starting with his son.

Review

Heartbreakingly realistic * Phoebe Morgan, author of The Doll House * An escape, majestic and beautiful, into a world where imagination is the only limit. * Forbes * Touching and funny * Autism Eye * It was refreshing to read a story where the characters flail around, panic, cry, swear, yet ultimately are determined to build little blocks of happiness with those whom they love. -- Cath Weeks * The Big Issue * An engaging and satisfying read on modern parenting * Your Weekend (New Zealand) * The characters are well-developed and vulnerable, learning to navigate and make sense of a world filled with obstacles. Stuart's debut novel is a charming and timely tale of learning to connect in the digital age. * Kirkus * Keith Stuart is a master at balancing humour alongside the serious. He has a light touch but also moves us deeply, and his characters are wonderfully real. Clever and full of insight. * Virginia Macgregor * Warm and real, honest and heart-breaking, joyous and life-affirming. It has the lot. * Vanessa Greene * A heartwarming read * Sunday Express * Fans of Nick Hornby with love this funny and moving tale. * Closer * This book is incredible. Keith Stuart is a very clever man. * Stuart Heritage * [A] warm, humorous and touching story about fatherhood and family * Sunday Mirror * This debut is sad, funny and full of heart-melting moments that make tears inevitable. * Daily Express * A Boy Made of Blocks is a wonderful read and I imagine that this will be one of many outstanding novels by Keith Stuart. * Huffington Post * Be prepared to shed tears (Book of the Week) * Sun * Stuart scatters his rose petals with enough thorns to ensure his often very funny debut will get under the skin . . . a tear-jerker -- Claire Allfree * Metro * This is a wonderful, warm, insightful novel about family, friendship and love that tugs at your heart. * Daily Mail * Even the hardest of hearts will be warmed by this poignant tale based on the author's life with his autistic son * Mail on Sunday * A Boy Made of Blocks is one of those unique and exquisite stories that grab you from the very first line. Searingly honest and poignant . . . tremendously moving. A truly beautiful story. * Heat * One of those wonderful books that makes you laugh and cry at the same time * Good Housekeeping * Very funny, incredibly poignant and full of insight. Awesome. * Jenny Colgan * Heartwarming, funny and special. I devoured this cracking book. * The Unmumsy Mum * A heart-warming and wise story . . . I shed a few tears but was left with a warm glow * Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of Love * Funny, expertly plotted and written with enormous heart. Readers who enjoyed The Rosie Project will love A Boy Made of Blocks - I did * Graeme Simsion * A Boy Made of Blocks is constructed around not just a great plot, but a rare sense of honesty and insight. -- John Harris * Guardian * The publishing sensation of the year: a compelling, uplifting and heart-rending debut novel * Mail on Sunday *

About this edition

• Publisher: Sphere
• ISBN 10: 0751563277
• ISBN 13: 9780751563276
• Binding: Hardcover