Daniel Isn't Talking: A Novel.

New York, NY Random House: Anchor Books, 2007. Paperback First Ed thus; First Printing indicated. First Ed thus; First Printing indicated. Near Fine in Wraps: shows only the most minute indications of use: Binding shows slight lean, but remains perfectly secure; else flawless; text clean. Very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. 275pp. Trade Paperback. This one of those rare books that makes you laugh out loud, makes you cry a little, but pretty much compels you forward through the story as though you're in a race, because you just cannot put it down. Of course the subject of autism is fascinating, and if you want to see up-close what it might be like to have a child with autism, here's your chance. However, that is not what is so special about the book. What is so amazing is that even in the midst of all this tragedy, Leimbach can be so smart and funny and optimistic. Her heroine, Melanie, is beautifully developed, beginning as a kind of doormat for her alpha male, somewhat superficial husband, and ending as a real fighter who is able to see through most anybody and who certainly won't be manipulated anymore. The guy who falls in love with her (and who is also Daniel's teacher) is a quirky and totally unique character who you won't have met before in fiction - can't help but like him. There are all sorts of peripheral characters who are so interesting you wish the novel was twice as long to include their stories, especially mysterious Veena, who Melanie hires as a cleaner, loses track of, then befriends again in a new and more meaningful bond. All very compelling stuff, and the children are marvellously real. They come up with surprising, witty dialogue, even Daniel who is not able at first to speak. Amazing novel.