In Best Boy, Eli Gottlieb delivers a masterful novel of empathy and understanding, told through the unique and unforgettable voice of a narrator on the autism spectrum. 
 
A moving, insightful, and beautifully written novel that offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a man with autism — a story about connection, independence, and the search for meaning.
 
For more than forty years, Todd Aaron has lived at the Payton Living Center, a special-needs facility he calls home. Intelligent, sensitive, and routine-driven, Todd’s quiet life is disrupted when new residents and old memories stir something deep within him. Determined to find his brother and reclaim the world beyond the institution, Todd sets off on a journey that challenges everything he’s been taught about safety, freedom, and love.
 
Both funny and heartbreaking, the story balances moments of innocence with profound insight into human connection. Through Todd’s eyes, readers experience the world with honesty, precision, and beauty — from his memories of childhood to his struggles with control, trust, and belonging.
 
Gottlieb’s writing is compassionate, vivid, and emotionally powerful, making Best Boy a novel that stays with you long after the final page. It’s a meditation on difference, dignity, and what it truly means to be seen.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A powerful, deeply humane story told from a rare perspective.
Insightful look at autism, aging, and independence.
Heartfelt and often humorous — both tender and wise.
Perfectly balances realism and emotional resonance.
From the acclaimed author of The Boy Who Went Away.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Still Alice.
Readers who love empathetic, character-driven literary fiction.
Book clubs discussing neurodiversity and personal growth.
Anyone drawn to stories about identity, freedom, and connection.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed Best Boy, you might also like:
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion — humor and heart in understanding love.
Shtum by Jem Lester — family, autism, and communication.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski — voice, loyalty, and human emotion.