When Mr Dog Bites

Description

When Mr Dog Bites is a bold, raw, and unforgettable coming-of-age novel that tackles big themes—mental health, friendship, identity, and the unpredictability of life—with honesty, humor, and a wildly original voice.

The story centers on Dylan Mint, a 16-year-old with Tourette’s Syndrome, who navigates life with a brain that blurts out swearing and inappropriate thoughts—what he calls “Mr Dog.” Dylan lives in a working-class neighborhood, attends a special needs school, and does his best to survive each day with his mum, his dog, and his best friend Amir.

Then Dylan overhears a conversation at the hospital and becomes convinced that he’s going to die in just a few months. With this terrifying belief driving him, he decides to create and complete a bucket list of “Cool Things To Do Before I Cack It”—a sometimes outrageous, often touching, and frequently hilarious set of goals that includes losing his virginity, telling the truth (no matter what), and going out in style.

Told entirely in Dylan’s unique, energetic voice—full of slang, rhythm, and attitude—When Mr Dog Bites is not just a story about Tourette’s. It’s about being seen, being different, and being you, unapologetically. Brian Conaghan, who himself has Tourette’s, brings an authentic, compassionate perspective to the challenges and triumphs of living with a neurological condition.

Recommended for readers aged 14 and up, this is a gritty, gutsy book that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—including language and mature themes—but treats them with insight and warmth. Perfect for fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, it’s a coming-of-age novel with a fierce heart.