Who is Alex Cold? What kind of person is he prior to his trip into the Amazon? How does he change over the course of the trip? Why does he change? Describe his strengths and weaknesses before, during and after the trip.

Describe the members of Alex's family. How is he related to Kate? Describe the relationship between Alex and Kate. What does each feel for the other? How do these feelings change over the course of the story?

Who is Nadia Santos? How does Alex meet her? What kind of person is Nadia? Why do they become friends? Compare Nadia to Alex. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each? How and what does each learn from the other?

What happens to Alex's family that prompts his trip into the Amazon with Kate? What is Alex's immediate response to that crisis? What is...