What appears to be Calvin Trillin's biggest motivation in writing this book? How does he describe his desire to write the book? Is this book about dying and grief? Is this book about life? If so, how?

Why does Calvin Trillin discuss Alice's looks? What do her looks have to do with her personality? Do you think she took advantage of her looks in certain situations? Does this change your opinion of her? Could this situation have something to do with why Calvin Trillin mentions her looks?

How did Alice's childhood affect her as an adult? Do you think Alice would have been a different type of person if her childhood had been different? How did having to care for her parents as an adult affect Alice? Do you think helping her parents made Alice a more generous person or do you think she...