1. Is Gemma justified in running away?

How would you characterize her relationship with her parents? Are her parents justified in the rules they establish for her?

2. Who is to blame for Tar's miserable home? His mother? His father? Does Tar bear any responsibility?

3. Each of the narrating characters has his or her own weaknesses, biases, and flaws. How do Vonny's, Richard's, Skolly's, or any other character's problems affect their perception of Gemma and Tar?

4. Discuss Gemma's decision to make herself over as punk? What does this help us understand about her character?

5. Discuss Tar's development in the novel. How does he change?

6. Discuss Gemma's development in the novel. How does she change?

7. Why do you think that Tar is willing to try heroin? Why is Gemma willing to try it? What do their motivations say about their characters?

8. Is Gemma acting selfishly when she...