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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Don remember about Joe Kulbeth when he sees him?

2. What year did Don have his accident?

3. What does Don finally realize he's been doing with people?

4. What happens to Don when he is a few steps away from entering the gate?

5. What does David Gentiles tell Don when he visits?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is a justice of the peace called to the scene?

2. What route does Don take to return home and what is that route like?

3. What is one thing that happens that gives Don hope?

4. How do the people around Don appear?

5. What does Don not experience and what does he experience when he dies?

6. What do the EMTs do when they arrive at the accident site and then when they've seen all the victims?

7. Who are Dick and Anita and what did they do as they were driving home?

8. Where does Don go after he leaves the accident scene?

9. What does Jay Perkins tell Don about his independent attitude?

10. What do the paramedics do about Don when they first arrive at the scene of the accident?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The boys respect the fact that Don cannot run and play like he once did and do their best to shelter their father from any disappointment by not engaging in sports with him.

1. Why do you think the boys decided to not engage in any sports with him? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think the boys should have handled sports in a different manner? Why or why not?

3. Do you think Don appreciated his sons not participating in sports with him or did it make him feel worse? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Don has difficulty discussing his trip to heaven with anyone for several years after the accident. Don told Eva only a tiny portion of what had happened, and she never pesters him with questions, sensing he is not ready to talk. One day, David Gentiles visits Don at home and asks Don how he is feeling. As the conversation progresses, Don begins to share the entire story of his ninety minutes in heaven with David.

1. Why do you think Don was able to tell his story to David and not to Eva?

2. Do you think that Don and Eva must not have a good marriage if he tells someone his story before he tells her? Why or why not?

3. How would you feel if you were Eva? Discuss in detail what she might have been feeling and how you would react if you were her.

Essay Topic 3

What God's purpose is for Don is difficult to discern as he lies in a depressive fog confined to a hospital bed. As much as Don wants to believe that God has brought him back to earth for a reason, he struggles to find understanding.

1. Do you think Don's reaction to the accident would be considered normal? Explain your reasoning.

2. After experiencing heaven, does it seem strange that Don would be depressed and wanting understanding? Why or why not?

3. Do you believe Don has been returned to life for a reason? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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