Book Club Reading Group Guide

Mad Dog House

By Mark Rubinstein

Introduction:

Roddy Dolan and Danny Burns, a surgeon and an accountant with checkered pasts, become silent partners in a Manhattan steakhouse. They’re swept up in a criminal maelstrom that threatens their families’ lives. Though Roddy thought he buried his past, he’s squeezed between choices–both of them bad. But Roddy has a plan.

Discussion Questions – Mad Dog House

1. Is Roddy Dolan a moral man or not? What are some examples of his moral/immoral actions?
2. What thoughts do you have about nature versus nurture?
3. How much of our character is the result of our DNA? How can our character be modified by our experiences?
4. What happens when we try to revisit the past and reignite old friendships after years of absence?
5. Can we ever truly change our way of being in the world? Why or why not?
6. What, if anything, about Roddy Dolan surprised you?
7. What, if anything, about Danny Burns surprised you?
8. What do you think Danny’s major character flaws were?
9. What character flaws did Roddy have that contributed to the chain of events that occurred in the novel?
10. How are male friendships different from female friendships?
11. Did Roddy and Danny make an ethical choice by keeping all the complications of McLaughlin’s from their wives? Why or why not?