The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Christopher creates specific rules and routines to help him navigate daily life. What personal strategies do you use to cope with uncertainty or overwhelming situations?

2. The novel explores how different minds perceive and process information. When have you encountered situations where your way of thinking significantly differed from others? How did you handle these differences?

3. Christopher’s parents struggle to balance their personal needs with their responsibilities as parents. How do you think society’s expectations of parents have evolved, particularly regarding children with special needs?

4. How did Christopher’s journey to London challenge your assumptions about capability and courage? What does his experience suggest about the relationship between fear and determination?

5. Christopher values absolute truth, and he struggles with metaphors and lies. How do you navigate the gray areas between truth and social expectations in your own life?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the novel challenge traditional representations of autism in literature and media? What impact might this portrayal have on readers’ understanding of neurodiversity?

2. The story explores various systems meant to help Christopher (education, law enforcement, family) and their limitations. What does this suggest about society’s approach to supporting individuals with different needs?

3. How does Christopher’s relationship with technology and logic reflect broader societal changes in how we process and value information?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does the author’s choice to structure chapters using prime numbers reflect Christopher’s character and worldview?

2. Analyze the symbolism of Christopher’s various encounters with animals (Wellington, Toby, Sandy). What do these relationships reveal about his character development?

3. How does Christopher’s investigation of Wellington’s death serve as both a literal mystery and a metaphor for his broader journey of self-discovery?

4. Examine how the author uses Christopher’s mathematical digressions and scientific explanations to develop both character and theme. How do these elements contribute to the story’s emotional impact?

5. Consider the role of Siobhan in the narrative. How does her character function as both a practical and symbolic presence in Christopher’s life?