1. What influences did Melissa have in her life that Irma did not have in hers that may have led to Melissa's ability to leave Rudy?

2. Why was it so easy for Melissa to mistake Rudy's obsessiveness as love and so difficult for her to understand it as abuse?

3. What effect do you believe the "innocent" racial epithets had on Trinh's perception of herself?

4. What do you see as a turning point for Josh in "Uncle Tweetie"?

5. Do you think Christina made the right decision in choosing to have and abortion? Why or why not?

6. Do you think Reynolds' primary purpose of writing these stories was to teach moral lessons?

7. Several of Reynolds' books have been the subject of banning attempts. What, if anything, do you consider controversial about Beyond Dreams?

8. Which character do you find most appealing and why? Identify the way that character...