The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon | Book Review + Questions

Hey, you! I honestly thought I would have more time to read books but that's not really the case. Covid-19 or not, I'm still working. And more than usual. I am however saving time because I don't have to take my car to go from client to client. Anyways, I have a 5 book (including my Kindle) pile on my bedside table which I thought I would get through, but in almost 2 months, I only got to read 2. Imma have to kick my butt.

I guess one of the reasons why I've been so slow is that I decided to read and finish Persuasion by Jane Austen. A year ago I started a Book Club in Metz, France. This is one of the regular social events I organise here. Anyways, one of the Bookies (club member) chose Persuasion for the book of the month. I was excited at first because I like Jane Austen. Buuuuuuttttt .... after going through a couple of chapters, I felt blah. Unmotivated. Truthfully, it felt like I was back in school. In English class preparing for an essay-writing assignment. I finished it though, but boy was I glad to start my next book.

This book happened to be The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. I've been curious about this book for months now. A fellow bookie read it in her free time and she loved it. Recently, I also found out that some High School English teachers in Metz are actually using this book for their class.

it's all about the choices we decide to make

Obviously 2 words come to mind with this book: Asperger's Syndrome. Because the book is narrated by the main character and he has Asperger's syndrome, I think it might be beneficial to read a little about this disorder prior to reading the book. It might make things easier to understand. I looked up some information and found out things like the difference between Asperger's syndrome and Autism for example.

I liked the book. I mean, it didn't trigger any emotions. It wasn't sad, it wasn't funny, it didn't make me mad. But, it was quite interesting to see the world from Christopher's point of view. I felt like there was almost a form of immersion, starting with the chapter numbers for example. At times, the world is perceived is such a limited way that it just seems so simple. But then again, you also get the family's side and how difficult it is for them. As a mother, I can't imagine not being able to freely hug my daughter, especially after an argument.

Anyways, here are some of questions I have thought about while reading this book.

Don't hesitate to tell me what you think.

1. Because Christopher has an obvious aversion to being hugged, how does he feel his parents' love towards him? In fact, can he feel he is loved?

2. What did you think of the maps and diagrams included in the book?

3. Did you experience any emotions? Which part of the book triggered them?

4. Did the story help you understand people with Asperger's Syndrome better?

5. Did you feel bad for the father? Are his actions justified?

6. What about his mother? What do you think of the relationship between Christopher and his mother?

7. Is this book suitable for high school students learning English as a second language?

8. Why was it important for Christopher to find out who killed the neighbour's dog?

9. Were you satisfied with the ending?

10. Did you like the book?

xoxo Elodie