Basketball

Basketballs are used by Josh, JB, Chuck, and numerous others to play the sport of basketball. Early in the novel, the basketball court is compared to the family, and the basketball itself is compared to one’s heart. Chuck, through Josh, explains that one should always leave the ball on the court. The ball becomes symbolic of Chuck’s heart in this instance, and though his heart fails him, he leaves his heart – and his love for his sons and for the game – with Josh and JB. At the end of the novel, when Josh and JB are using a basketball to shoot hoops, the ball becomes symbolic of their father’s soul as it flies freely through the air, crossing overhead, going to Heaven.

Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are a hairstyle worn by Josh Bell, and formerly, by Chuck during his basketball days. Josh wishes to follow...