1. How is innocence equated with mental impairment in this novel? How does Nolan depict characters' handicaps? In what ways do her characterizations seem realistic? How might they be stereotyped or exaggerated?

2. How did characters react to abusive situations? How could they have responded differently and how would this have altered plot development?

3. Why is food an important element in this novel?

4. How do characters gain or lose independence?

5. In what ways is Nolan's conclusion credible or incompatible with the plot?

What ending did you expect? How would you rewrite the conclusion?

6. Discuss how friendship is depicted in this novel between immediate family members, relatives, and acquaintances.

How do the characters associate sharing with friendship?

7. Why is school important to JP? How do his changing attitudes and behavior at school reflect his altered personality?

8. Which characters assume the most responsibility in this novel? How does...