“There Will Be No Miracles Here” is the story of Casey Gerald’s pursuit and achievement of the American Dream. What is your sense of the “American Dream,” and how does it compare to or contrast with Gerald’s? Do you believe that the American Dream is still achievable?

This question asks students to consider the entire scope of the memoir, to analyze what the author might be saying about contemporary American society, and to decide whether or not they agree with the author’s perceived position.

After much consideration, the author abandoned his plans for a congressional campaign in Texas; he sensed that his homosexuality might present too great an obstacle for election. Do you think that this is still the case, or has the cultural climate changed enough in the intervening years?

This question invites students to reflect on macrocosmic changes in American society within...