How has farming changed over the last hundred years? Have you ever been on a farm or ranch? What was it like?

Why do so many bad things seem to happen one after another? How do the different characters deal with these things?

What sort of person is Hud? Why does he act the way he does? Do you think he murdered Granddad?

What role does sex play in the story? How does Lonnie view sex?

Why is Lonnie so restless to get to the city? Do you think that his attitude changes during the book?

Hank Hutch is Granddad's neighbor, who always has trouble feeding his family. Do you think Jesse or Hank has a more fulfilling life? What would Jesse and Hank say?

How is Jesse's attitude toward life different from Granddad's or Halmea's? How do you think Lonnie's attitude is going...