The Collapsible Mannequin

"If you let a truth live inside of you for too long, it takes over, precisely the way a virus does."

This book tells the story of twelve year of Clarence Clark. He is an astute observer who has a unique way of looking at things. Clarence is lonely and writes letters which he attaches to balloons and hopes to gain a pen pal. When Clarence receives a letter back from a man named Peter, he is excited and the two write to each other and eventually meet.

Without Clarence's mother, Sarah, mentioning Clarence's diagnosis, we know that he is unique from his way of thinking, interreacting with others, and his matter of relating to things in his environment. He is an observer who often thinks about the father he never knew and things he encounters in his life.

This book is broken down alternating chapters which tell Sarah and Clarence's POV. Though this technique we learn some secrets and get to know each character better.

I found this to be an interesting and charming book. I enjoyed Clarence's observations and outlooks.

Thank you to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was such a great read and truly captures what it is like for someone dealing with loneliness and autism. Not only did the author capture Clarence's feelings, but also the struggles of the mother who wants to protect him. I work with autistic children and thought that the author captured the disorder in a honest and respectful way.