Ralston talks about "Deep Play," where the risk outweighs the reward. How does this influence your overall impression of the book?

Many Native American cultures regard the raven as a symbol of magic, a bringer of courage to face a void called the Great Mystery. In light of this, discuss Ralston's journey in connection with the repeated flights and subsequent death of the raven.

Nearly everything that Ralston experiences in Blue John Canyon is influenced by time. Is time a separate character in the book? Why or why not? Explain.

Ralston asserts that had he amputated his arm earlier in his ordeal it would have been a slow act of suicide. Discuss the relevance of timing from Ralston's initial thoughts of amputation to when he goes through with it on day six.

Discuss the risk and rewards of Ralston's project to solo climb the...