A Boy Made of Blocks
The most uplifting novel of the year
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4.8 • 82 Ratings
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- £3.99
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- £3.99
Publisher Description
THE RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB 2017 BESTSELLER AND NUMBER ONE AMAZON BESTSELLER
'The publishing sensation of the year: a compelling, uplifting and heart-rending debut novel'
Mail on Sunday
A Boy Made of Blocks is a funny, heartwarming story of family and love inspired by the author's own experiences with his son, the perfect latest obsession for fans of The Rosie Project, David Nicholls and Jojo Moyes.
A father who rediscovers love
Alex loves his wife Jody, but has forgotten how to show it. He loves his son Sam, but doesn't understand him. He needs a reason to grab his future with both hands.
A son who shows him how to live
Meet eight-year-old Sam: beautiful, surprising - and different. To him the world is a frightening mystery. But as his imagination comes to life, his family will be changed . . . for good.
*Keith Stuart's magical and moving second novel Days of Wonder is available to pre-order now.*
'One of those wonderful books that makes you laugh and cry at the same time'
Good Housekeeping
'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
'Very funny, incredibly poignant and full of insight. Awesome.'
Jenny Colgan
'Heartwarming'
The Unmumsy Mum
'A wonderful, warm, insightful novel about family, friendship and love'
Daily Mail
'A great plot, with a rare sense of honesty'
Guardian
'A truly beautiful story'
Heat
'A heartwarming and wise story'
Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of Love
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This debut by U.K. video game journalist Stuart is a funny and insightful novel about a neurotypical father's struggle to connect with his autistic son. The story begins when Alex, a mortgage advisor in Bristol, England, is at a particularly low point in his life. He and his wife Jody have split and are sharing custody of eight-year-old Sam. Alex has lost his job and is crashing at the apartment of his childhood friend Dan. As Alex works through all of this, he spends more time with Sam and they begin to bond in new ways, particularly when they play Minecraft, a video game that encourages creativity and teamwork. Sam gains confidence and even enters a Minecraft competition. The story is inspired by Stuart's own experience with his son, Zac. He writes that Minecraft allowed Zac to express himself and helped his family "to see and appreciate him as a funny, imaginative, and perceptive child." This enjoyable novel will also educate readers about autism and the ways family members can connect despite their neurological differences.
Customer Reviews
The most beautiful book I've ever read
Devoured it in a day and cried in public on a train. I've told everyone about this book - it's changed me.
I didn't know this book existed until yesterday
My son is autistic and has been totally hooked on Minecraft for years, it's brought out his creativity (they said he'd never have any ability to 'imaginary play'). He's ended up getting through mainstream comprehensive school and is now doing well at college. Minecraft has helped him in so many ways. He's always thought he'd be stuck without me, when he's older I'll explain to him that he's helped me more than I ever could him.
A boy made of blocks
I loved this book! A real life tale of love, hope, family & tragedy. It's an emotional read but it's so well written. And Minecraft too, what's not to love?!!