1. Have you ever written your name on a piece of public property? Why does Hope always write "Hope was here" before leaving a place?

2. Hope is a major theme throughout the story. Find several examples of different characters expressing hope in the story. Are their hopes justified?

3. Explain what is meant by "comfort food."

4. Many cultures believe that a child's name should be chosen with great care because it will influence the way his or her life is lived. Why do you think Hope chose such a powerful name to live up to when she changed her name?

5. Several of the other characters have names that are symbolic of their lives or attitudes. Discuss what these names represent or symbolize.

6. Throughout the novel, Hope formulates quite a few rules to live by. Find at least five of these and discuss how they might apply...