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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bodie hear Geoff talking with his mother about on the phone?

2. Who did Bodie plan to name for the first time in court?

3. According to Bodie, who was "complicit" in Thalia's death (419)?

4. According to Mike, what first made him feel a sense of belonging at Granby?

5. Whose husband used to put on Spanish music she could dance to when she was upset?

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice does Fran give Bodie about "Starlet Fever"?

2. According to Bodie, what makes prison hell?

3. What did the markings in Thalia's planner mean?

4. After talking to Geoff, what does Bodie realize about Dorian's harrassment of her?

5. How did Britt and Alder find blood in the shed at Granby?

6. According to Bodie, how did killing Thalia impact Robbie?

7. According to Bodie, what is the best thing she ever heard on her secret payphone?

8. Describe Dwight Boudreau's testimony.

9. According to Mike, what first made him feel like Granby was home?

10. What "goose chase" does Bodie send Britt and Alder on in Chapter 60?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the way different characters react to Britt's project and Thalia's case becoming relevant again. Compare and contrast the reactions of three different characters in the text. Why do they react this way?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Bodie interrupt the story at times to include details about Omar's injuries? What is the greater implication of these interjections? How else does Makkai make this point?

Essay Topic 3

At several points in the novel, Bodie addresses Denny Bloch, using the word "you." For example, one chapter ends with the accusation, “If Thalia was having trouble with an older guy, the older guy was you” (95). What do you make of this technique? Why do you think Makkai chose to do this?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 642 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample