Reading Group Discussion Questions
by B. Brandon Barker
1. The novel’s title is one of the most provocative in recent memory, promising mystery, intrigue and scandal. How does such an intriguing title juxtapose what turns out to be a relatively boring and corny story that lacks interesting characters?
2. The dominant, underlying force of the novel is Will and Fiona’s relationship and its baffling contradictions, inexplicable bitterness and self-renewing family gym membership. Discuss their marriage. Discuss their children. Discuss their pets. Help yourself to more Sauvingnon Blanc.
3. What kind of person is Justice Reginald T. Johnson, Jr.? Did you like him? Were you a little unnerved by his gigantic handlebar moustache? Oh, wait. That’s another book.
4. Myron plays a crucial role in the plot, appearing near the end of the story and ruining everyone’s carefully arranged plans. Why does he refuse to apologize to Will’s uncle Rob, and what is the significance of him getting stuck inside the giant inflatable snow globe?
5. Think of a number between 1 and 450. Nope.
6. When Mona and Karen finally arrive at Fiona’s baby shower, they impose themselves upon an existing conversation about Radon, causing an irreversible chain of events. As in many of his previous novels, the author explores aggressive human impulses that result in crippling episodes of remorse, alienation and regret. Come to think of it, this author also has a thing for paunchy clarinet players with line-dancing addictions, and there are at least three instances of Olympic curling. You know, I totally forgot the question.
7. What is up with that thing?
8. Will builds a meditation labyrinth in the back yard to deal with his affliction. Even though we don’t have problems like Will’s, do we need “rituals,” like meditation labyrinths, to help us deal with our sorrows and suffering? Nah.
9. Does Will’s uncle Rob talk a little too much about Frank Zappa? I don’t know. Seemed like it.
10. Discuss the book in terms of structure, tone, voice, perspective, flashbacks and other literary devices. Actually, hold on, it’s getting late.
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