It is probably not a new observation that Griffin's characters and situations are almost Alger-esque; characters find themselves placed into and saved from difficult situations with almost dizzying rapidity. Yet Griffin makes these characters deserve their rewards — and fates. At issue, then, is the believability of the novels, and whether they are meant to be believable, or more generally realistic. In this, the strong morality, singular character delineation, and adventurous plots work in dynamic tension with the realistic and detailed description surrounding them.

1. How realistic are the characters, in particular Liza Wood, Bob Bellmon, "Father" Lunsford, and Bobby Bellmon? Is their realism — or lack thereof — related to the amount of description that Griffin provides of them, or to something else about the way Griffin paints their characters?

2. How would you describe John Oliver's character? Is he a typical hotshot aviator, or is he...