1. A reviewer for Booklist called Chinese Handcuffs a "disappointment" because the plot is too heavy. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your view.

2. At one point, it appears as if Dillon is going to kill Jennifer's stepfather. Do you think he would go through with it?

Is murder under any circumstance justified?

3. Does Chinese Handcuffs give too "lurid" a description of suicide, date rape, and sexual abuse? What argument could be made to support or oppose this book being taught in schools?

4. The title of the novel is referred to many times. In the context of the story, what does the title mean?

5. Dillon will not play sports for his school because he is concerned about the attitudes of coaches? Explain why his decision is right or wrong.

6. Explain in what ways the adult characters in the novel are true to life. Is T...