Strange thing. A short while ago I bought a book called “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime”. I recalled flipping through it in a store when it came out a few years ago, and remembered being interested in it. But I couldn’t remember what happened in the book, so I figured that I didn’t buy it for some reason or other. I certainly didn’t recall seeing it on my bookshelf.
Anyway, I started reading it last night, and it quickly became clear that I had already read the first 20 pages or so. Which seemed strange if I hadn’t bought the book already. And yet, I cannot remember at all what happens later on in the book. So I flipped to a point later on to see if I recognize any of the passages, and I did. So it’s quite obvious to me that I have read this book already.
I don’t remember it being a bad book…I just don’t remember the plot at all. Yet, I remember the very distinct writing style. And like I said, it’s nowhere on my bookshelf.
My conclusion is that I read the book, enjoyed it, lent my copy to someone, and then promptly forgot about it. I have no idea when this was or to whom I gave the book.
So now I’m a little stuck. On one hand, I want to find out what happens. On the other hand, it’s disconcerting reading passages that I remember, without knowing what happens. It’s not like deja vu; more accurate to say that it feels like amnesia…as if someone or something just erased the knowledge from my head, but the slightest hint remains as a clue.
And it makes me wonder what else I’ve forgotten in this manner. Freaks me out a little, actually.
How very odd. This is pretty much what happens for me with most books I read. It’s why I can re-read books so much…. It rarely occurs to me that most people don’t have this experience.
This type of memory is also why I keep a journal.
I would recommend that you read that book and read it thoroughly. It is written through an autistic person’s view of the world which makes it remarkable. It allows you into their thought process and mindset and helps “explain” how they think the way they do and why they think the way they do.
I found it very helpful in teaching me tools and techniques to better handle my autistic brother.