Do You Think This Is Strange?

In an interview with Naomi at Consumed by Ink blog, Aaron Cully Drake fills us in on his inspiration and writing process for Do You Think This Is Strange?

"Aaron Cully Drake might be our Canadian equivalent of Lisa Genova. His debut novel Do You Think This Is Strange? is a riveting novel narrated by a highly functional autistic seventeen-year old. The author, whose daughter has autism, managed to create an accessible and lovable character, opening the reader’s mind to a condition very little understood amongst the public ... It questions the concept of normality and relationship; it raises awareness about people with autism; it does, hopefully, trigger interest and understanding towards people who behave differently than the majority. To put it simply, Do You Think This Is Strange? is a very human book that everyone should read." —Angelique, Maple Books

"Outstanding . . . The relationship between Saskia and Freddy is everything teen romance readers yearn for, but complex enough for adult readers. With an enthralling character voice, an atypical narrative structure, and an unexpected mystery, Drake's first outing sets a high bar for his next." —Publishers Weekly

"Well-written, funny and interesting..." —Geist

"Quite simply, I loved this book. Do You Think This Is Strange? is being compared to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Rosie Project. I haven’t run into too many people who haven’t liked The Rosie Project, and I am here to tell you that I loved this one more. It felt so much more genuine and meaningful, while still possessing the humour and feel-good qualities that made people fall in love with The Rosie Project." —Consumed by Ink blog

"A nuanced and sensitive narrative of conflict, comedy, and trauma … Drake's writing is delightful, and the architecture of the book is subtle and effective … Do You Think This Is Strange? is not simply about a boy with autism, but more importantly about the way those who encounter him (including the reader) choose to respond to him." —Quill & Quire

In her Year in Review, Naomi at Consumed by Ink chose Freddy as her "character of the year."

"Consider this the antidote to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Whereas Mark Haddon’s 2003 novel, the most popular literary representation of autism to date, presented a barely functional savant, the 17-year-old at the heart of Aaron Cully Drake’s debut is someone that the majority of autistic people might recognize...Freddy is an authentically exasperating teenager. You’ll want to read this coming-of-age story anyway, not least to watch Freddy solve the common mystery of why his family is as it is." —The Globe and Mail

Do You Think This Is Strange? is included in 49th Shelf's "Most Anticipated: 2015 Fiction Spring Preview."

"This story is not just about a boy with autism but rather about how people view and respond to him … This must-read for students and educators rewards with insights into autism." —BC Books for BC Schools

Do You Think This Is Strange? is featured on All Lit Up's blog for First Fiction Fridays.