1. In Chapter 17, Paul asks Spenser why he cannot simply leave him alone. Spenser replies that he cannot leave him alone because everyone in his life has left him alone and it has not done him any good. He also tells Paul that his goal is to help him become a better person. What does Spenser mean by that?

2. How is the reader likely to feel when Patty shows up to take Paul home in Chapter 22?

3. Is Spenser's plan to blackmail the Giacomins in order to make them pay for Paul's education and living expenses, as well as staying away from him a good plan? Why? Why not?

4. Why does Spenser decide to take Paul to Fryeburg and build a cabin?

5. How does Susan feel about Spenser sending Paul and Patty to her house in Chapter 13?

6. Why does Spenser feel that teaching Paul to box and weight lift is important?

7. Why does Paul's revelation that he would like to be a dancer important?

8. Was it a good idea for Spenser and Paul to break into Mel's office? Why? Why not?

9. How does Spenser handle the confrontation with Patty in Chapter 22?

10. Does Susan make a good point about parental rights in Chapter 23? Why? Why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mel and Patty have a complex relationship. They used to be in love, hence their marriage and Paul's birth. Somewhere along the way, that marriage disintegrated, leading to their separation and eventual divorce. Now their only purpose is to hurt each other in any way that they can, specifically to use Paul as the object to do that with.

Part 1) Explore the motivation that the two have to hurt each other the way that they do; why do you think that they do it?

Part 2) What effect has that relationship between his parents had on Paul?

Use specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Spenser feels that the only way to make Paul grow up and become self-reliant, and in turn survive, is for him to get away from his parents. When Patty comes back to Spenser to take Paul back, Paul refuses to go and Patty leaves without him. This begins Spenser thinking about issues like parental rights and kidnapping, which Susan is also concerned about.

Part 1) If you were Spenser, what would your thoughts on these two topics be, pertaining to Paul? Would you agree with Susan, or would you agree with Spenser?

Part 2) If you were Paul, what would your thoughts on these two topics?