Discuss the significance of the historical setting in which this book was written. How would the story be different if it had been set in the 1950s?

Imagine you are Willie Traynor's boss, and give him a job performance review on the job he did as editor and publisher of The Ford County Times?

Discuss the significance of Calia Ruffin's character to the story.

Discuss the book's ending. Do you think it was a happy ending or not?

The author dealt with some historically controversial subjects in the book. Discuss the author's treatment of such controversial subjects as the death penalty, the Vietnam War, civil rights and forced desegregation.

Discuss the significance of Calia Ruffin's death to the end of the story.

Flash forward one year. Where do you imagine Willie Traynor is, and what is he doing?

Do you feel that the author...