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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. Audrey learns that Grant's lover, Stuart, has what?

2. Patsy has been diagnosed with what disease?

3. Grant discovered he was gay after college, when he met a flamboyantly gay man who did what?

4. When Beau tells Faith his secret, Faith leaves the restaurant and goes where?

5. At the beach house reunion, Kari is upset over the recent death of:

Short Essay Questions

1. Was the accident that killed Faith's mother Faith's fault?

2. Do you think it was right for grant's father to treat him differently, after finding out that Grant was gay?

3. How did Faith's mother die?

4. What unusual turn does the book club meeting take, when Slip hosts it?

5. What is Slip's attitude toward her brother Fred's transformation?

6. Describe the changes in Fred in this section of the book.

7. Why does the book club plan to reunite Audrey and Slip eventually succeed and how?

8. What family secret does Beau discover and tell Faith about and how does Faith react?

9. What is the major conflict after the circus?

10. How is Slip's illness reminiscent of the opening of the book and what could it mean in reference to the beginning of the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story, Kari adopts her nieces baby. Using several examples from various points in the story, discuss the impact the adoption of Julia has on Kari and her family, as the story progresses. Also, write a short description of how you would have handled Julia's adoption, if you were Kari.

Essay Topic 2

None of the women seem to do well alone. Even when they divorce, they seek out companionship, such as when Audrey and Grant move in together.

Part 1. Do you feel that it was right for Audrey and Grant to move in together? Why or why not?

Part 2. Do you feel that it was right for Merit to marry Mr. Paradise? Why or why not?

Part 3. If your spouse died or divorced you, would you stay single or date or marry again and why would you make that choice?

Essay Topic 3

Eric abuses Merit throughout the book. His abuse eventually results in a divorce and, ultimately, Merit hits him when they meet up again at their daughter's college graduation.

Part 1. Why was Eric abusive towards Merit?

Part 2. Why did Merit take Eric's abuse for as long as she did?

Part 3. Choose two conflicts between Merit and Eric and describe alternative ways that Eric and Merit could have resolved the conflict.

(see the answer keys)

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