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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When did Nancy's parents usually have their fights?

2. At what age did Nancy quit school?

3. What did Nancy put on to go to her temp job?

4. How old was Wally when he published his first novel?

5. "Wind, Sand, and Stars" was written by which author?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Wally's reasoning for not being able to refuse Marge Cohen's call to come to York Correctional Institution?

2. Nancy Whiteley also wrote the story, "Orbiting Izzy". What was the premise of this story?

3. What did Carolyn focus on outside while waiting to be processed into the Department of Corrections?

4. What did Nancy feel she had to do to keep her boyfriend?

5. What are the two chapters in Carolyn Ann Adams' story, "Thefts" and what does she cover in each?

6. How did Nancy's family disintegrate and how did Nancy manage being alone with her abusive mother?

7. How did Nancy view "The Wizard of Oz" once she worked through some psychological issues?

8. What changes did Wally see in the women as they wrote their stories?

9. When did Wally Lamb know that he wanted to be a teacher, and in which type of students was he particularly interested?

10. Who was Isadore Weintraub, and what role did he play in Nancy's life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The authors use more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters in the stories who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does Wally Lamb mean by calling it "Couldn't Keep it to Myself"? What was he trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each one.

Essay Topic 3

Overall, do the women's stories end on a note of hope for them or the continuance of struggles to come to terms with flawed relationships, mental illnesses, societal pressures, etc.? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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