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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 tell Brad about how he felt when recovering?

2. To what does Don look forward?

3. What did Don see when he was leaning against the wall to catch his breath after going to the balcony in the arena?

4. What does a nurse suggest to Don about his frustrations?

5. How did Don normally feel about people who say they've had a near death experience?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Don meet at the arena in Houston? What happens when he meets him?

2. How is Don's emotional health by Chapter Ten?

3. What do a couple of the studies on near death experiences say and what is Don's answer to them?

4. Who begins crying when Don is speaking at a church and why? What did she tell Don?

5. What is one of the worst parts of Don's recovery and how do they handle it?

6. What does Don say at Joyce's memorial service?

7. What are some of the obstacles Don faces in daily living because of his physical problems?

8. What does Don tell about waking up and having someone holding his hand and what does he find out about that?

9. What does David challenge Don to do and what happens?

10. Why has Don agreed to see a local police officer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Despite the large number of visitors who come to see Don in the hospital, he refuses to let anyone do anything for him. One day, Jay Perkins stops by to visit Don. Jay is a retired minister filling in for Don. Jay notices that Don never asks for help and challenges him to open up to the people who care about him. Jay tells Don that people are trying to love him in the only way they know how, but Don will not let them.

1. How would the above statement relate to the cliche, "No man is an island?"

2. Why do you think Don is refusing help from anyone? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. People in general seem to believe that doing something for someone they love is showing their love. Do you think this is true? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Wrapping it up. Choose one of the following and write a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance:

1. Trace a major theme in the book using examples from numerous points in the book. Tell why you think it is a major theme and any symbols that illustrate the theme.

2. Compare and contrast who Don is at the beginning of the book versus the Don at the end of the book. Use details and examples to illustrate your points.

3. What do you think might have been the author's reason (i.e., the author's agenda) for writing this book? Give detailed examples to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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