Read one of Lamott's novels. Compare the style and focus of the novel to Operating Instructions. What similarities do you find? Do these titles share any themes?

Think about an important event in your life.Write a series of journal entries that you might have written at the time. Alternatively, start keeping a journal now, and write a few observations in it everyday.

Some critics have wondered how Sam Lamott will feel when he is old enough to read and understand Operating Instructions. How do you think he might respond? Explain your answer.

Conduct research into the growth of the singleparent family in the United States in the past few decades. Create a chart that illustrates your findings.

Lamott makes her dislike of the first President Bush quite clear. How do you think she responded to the election of Bush's son, George...