1. Do the characters' voices seem authentic? 2. What does walking symbolize? How are distances presented literally in the novel? How important is time to plot development?

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in Montgomery during the bus boycott. Why would African Americans stay there? Did they have a choice?

4. Describe the irony of Alfa experiencing economic woes when the purpose of the bus boycott was to hurt racist transportation owners financially so that they would agree to African Americans' demands for equitable transportation.

5. When do readers realize that Alfa has matured emotionally in the novel?

6. Are relationships between blacks and whites depicted accurately or exaggerated? List each character's prejudices and preconceived stereotypes about other people.

7. Why does almost everyone, including the whites, respect Mama Merryfield?

8. What is the role of addiction in this novel? Is everyone addicted to something in some form, such as...