600 Hours of Edward

Edward Stanton lives alone in Billings, Montana, maintaining strict daily routines and recording the time and temperature each morning at exactly 7:38 AM. At age 39, he copes with Asperger's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder through therapy, medication, and carefully structured activities. When new neighbors move in next door, Edward's regulated world begins to expand beyond his comfort zone. His interactions with a single mother and her young son present both challenges and opportunities as he navigates unfamiliar social situations. The novel spans exactly 600 hours, chronicling Edward's daily experiences through his perspective as he faces changes in his life and relationships. The narrative incorporates Edward's lists, weather logs, and letters of complaint to the local television station about meteorological inaccuracies. This character study explores themes of connection, growth, and the universal human need to find meaning in daily existence. Through Edward's precise observations and direct manner of processing the world, the story examines how different minds perceive and interact with reality.

Readers connect with Edward's authentic portrayal as a 39-year-old man with Asperger's syndrome and OCD. The story shows his daily routines and personal growth through his own perspective. Readers appreciated: - Accurate representation of autism spectrum traits - Balance of humor and emotional depth - Edward's distinctive voice and thought processes - Realistic character development Common criticisms: - Repetitive descriptions of daily routines - Slow pacing in first third of book - Some found Edward's behaviors frustrating Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,800+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "As someone with an autistic child, this portrayal rings true" - Goodreads reviewer "The detailed routines became tedious" - Amazon reviewer "Edward's growth feels natural, not forced" - LibraryThing review "Perfect blend of heartwarming and humorous moments" - BookBrowse reader

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📚 Edward Stanton, the protagonist, has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Asperger's syndrome, and records the exact time he wakes up each morning—7:38 AM. 🖋️ Author Craig Lancaster wrote the first draft of the novel during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in just 24 days. 🏆 The book was originally self-published before being picked up by AmazonEncore, and went on to become a Montana Honor Book. 🌟 The story was partly inspired by Lancaster's stepson, who has Asperger's syndrome, though Edward's character is not directly based on him. 🎬 The title "600 Hours" represents approximately 25 days—the timeframe in which the story takes place, during which Edward experiences significant personal growth and change.