That's a great point, I usually forget I'm reading a translated story, which is an amazing feat for the translator. But I would definitely love to read it in the original language.

Oh me too. Of course he did the only thing he ever did, run towards the danger to protect others. He told us over and over it was going to happen and it was still devastating to read.

Side note though, I watched 10 Things I Hate About You last night and now I strongly believe that young Heath Ledger would have been the perfect Benji.

I haven't read Things my son needs to know yet, but I also really enjoyed the other ones you mentioned. A Man Called Ove was so sweet and heart breaking. Anxious People was disarming in its heavy subject with cooky sweet characters. I just love the way he writes about people so much.

I think I need to reread the first book. I read it a while ago but enjoyed the second and third book more due to the character development.

Oh yeah that would be confusing. It was revealed that Mumble was outside the room when Matteo's sister was r worded. But, he was also threatened and manipulated into it by her attacker, so while he didn't speak up and he should have, he was also sort of a victim. He carried tons of guilt about it and ended up walking into the woods at the end of his hockey career and potentially unaliving himself, at least that's what was implied.

I think it's more related to shame/embarrassment, just like OP replied. They don't want to "make a scene" so they go to the bathroom, not realizing how serious the situation is. Especially with choking, they think they could cough/vomit it up but lose consciousness and no one is aware to save them. It's terrifying actually. Bring a friend on your shame bathroom trips friends!

It's actually a very common, very bad instinct. People like to walk away from crowds and die in the bathroom. Happens alarmingly often with choking.