One of the best ways to begin a discussion of this novel is to examine Moon as a character. We learn, for instance, that he is overcome with guilt over three major events: his role in his best fiend's death in the truck wreck, his role in his mother's entering a loveless second marriage to save Moon from prison, and his role in allowing his father to suffer a long and painful death. Because of this guilt, he hasn't developed psychologically, and both his professional and his personal lives are in disarray. An interesting discussion could revolve around the reasons for Moon's unhappiness. Should he feel guilty for his supposed shortcomings?

And related to Moon's guilt is his redemption. What role does Father Julian play in this process? What role does Osa play?

1. How does Moon's character develop throughout the novel? Does he become a better...