1. Michael feels that Buddy's and his lives are locked-in-place. Buddy believes they were born lucky. Compare and contrast the feelings of these two characters in the first chapter. Why do they have such differing views?

2. Michael's confrontation with his parents about his future leaves his father angry and hurt. Put yourself in the father's position and relate the confrontation from his point of view.

3. Mr. Paeglis says he is not asking anything of Michael, he is giving. Michael believes they are the same thing.

Explain this paradox. Can you find examples of this from real life?

4. Contrast the winter and the summer people and their dependence on each other.

5. Traci is a victim of physical abuse.

The Dollmeyer twins face a different type of abuse. What sort of person is their father and what is his effect on them?

6. Linda...