1. Is the prologue necessary? Why did the author include it, instead of beginning with the first chapter, set five years later?

2. George's father calls the pointers he gives his son "rocks." What rocks does he provide in his brief appearance? What rocks does George give Monty?

3. How might the personalities of George and Monty be different if their father had lived?

4. Before this book was published, one earlier title being considered was Chin Music. Which title, Shadow Boxer or Chin Music, is more effective? What meanings are there in each of these titles?

5. In an early interview, Chris Lynch stated, "I don't aim to write in a particular era. I don't want my stuff to become dated." Was he successful at that goal in writing Shadow Boxer? What aspects of the novel may make it seem dated eventually?

6. A "coping mechanism" is a mode...