Reviews of The Crossing have been sharply split, so a good place to start a discussion might be an evaluation of the novel. Is the language pretentious or profound? Is the action static, or is there an identifiable progress to the plot? Does the use of Spanish make the story more authentic or merely more difficult? In general, it should be interesting to discuss whether at this late stage in McCarthy's career his narrative powers are growing or diminishing. This discussion could also include an analysis of the ways in which The Crossing is less commercial than All the Pretty Horses, since the later novel is longer, more open-ended, and bleaker.

Another major issue to explore could be McCarthy's views on existence. This author is always rewarding to study because he never shies away from the most profound and problematic issues of our lives. What does...