How does Zachary's arrival in town change everything in Toby's life? Would this change still have taken place if Zachary had not come to town? What is it about Zachary that impacts Toby and Cal's life so obviously? Would Cal and Toby become friends with Zachary had the sheriff not dragged them out there to meet him? Why does Cal insist on helping Zachary become baptized?

Why do you think the writer chose to set the novel in the seventies? How does the backdrop of the Vietnam War affect the novel? Do you think Wayne's death would have had the same impact had he died in a car accident?

How does Opalina's departure affect Toby? Why do you think he lied to everyone about her contest in Nashville, when he said that there had been a fire and the contest was postponed? Why did his...