1. McKinley seems a town of two seasons, summer and winter. How do the seasons contrast in their effects on people?

2. Do children and adults in McKinley find different or similar values in life in a quiet town?

3. What bonds Marsh and Willy as friends?

4. What differentiates Carl from other town oddballs like Cully Fransen and Pisspot Johnny?

5. Is the idea that Carl can dance on ice in shoes rather than on skates unrealistic?

6. Why does Carl wear his leather bomber jacket all the time?

7. What does Carl's behavior in the warming house with skaters reveal about him?

8. What does Carl's courtship of Helen teach Marsh about love? Who else teaches him about love?

9. How does the death of Bill Krieg contribute to the story?

10. Why does Carl think of parachuting from the bomber as a "dance"?

How many different dances does he do?

11. What...