Discuss Deanna's role as a forest ranger. How has she received this job? What does she enjoy about this job? How does this job reflect her interests and personality? How has her time as a ranger affected the wildlife around her?

Discuss the relationship between Deanna and Eddie Bondo. How do they meet? What attracts them to one another? What makes their relationship difficult? Why do Deanna have such differing opinions about the relationship between man and nature? Why does the relationship end?

Discuss Lusa's move to the Widener home. Why does she move here? What surprises her about this move? How does she feel in this new community, family, and home? Why does she feel this way? How does she change as her story progresses? Why does she change?

Discuss the relationship between Lusa and the Widener family. How do they initially feel...