when mr dog bites

when mr dog bites

Funny, clever, poignant, rude and absolutely brilliant – Brian Conaghan's gobsmackingly original novel does for Tourette's syndrome what The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time did for Asperger's. An awesome, life affirming read which makes you see the world through different eyes.

Dylan Mint has Tourette's. His life is a constant battle to keep the bad stuff in – the swearing, the tics, the howling dog that seems to escape whenever he gets stressed. But a routine visit to the hospital changes everything. Overhearing a hushed conversation between the doctor and his mum, Dylan discovers that he's going to die in March. So he makes a list of things he must do before he dies: first, he wants to have real sex with gorgeous Michelle Malloy; second, he's got to find his autistic best friend Amir a new best bud; third, he's got to get his dad back home from the army so they can say goodbye properly. It's not a long list, but it's ambitious, and he doesn't have much time. Sometimes you've just got to go for it – no holding back – and see what happens.

This is the launch of a major new writing talent. Brian Conaghan makes you travel every step of the way in Dylan's shoes, laughing and crying – often at the same time – as Dylan faces the twists and turns of an unfair world with glorious optimism and wit.

Brian Conaghan was born and raised in the Scottish town of Coatbridge and has Tourette's. While at school Brian failed his exams, but the University of Glasgow took pity on him and dished out, among other things, a Master of Letters in Creative Writing. He has made money as a painter and decorator, a barman, a DJ, an actor, a teacher and now a writer. He currently lives in Dublin with his two beautiful handfuls: his wife Orla and daughter Rosie.

when mr dog bites
Bloomsbury
Author: Brian Conaghan
RRP: $24.99