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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 Linda Coldren reveal to Myron?

2. Which of the following is NOT true about Linda?

3. Who is receptive to the idea that the kidnapping could be a hoax?

4. What identifying mark did the man at the phone booth have?

5. Bucky talks to Myron about representing which golfers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Tad Crispin?

2. What is Myron's theory about the kidnapping at this point?

3. Who are Norm Zuckerman and Esme Fong?

4. How does Myron first get involved with Jack and Linda Coldren?

5. Explain some of the activity that occurs as Myron watches the Coldrens' house.

6. How does Myron finally get the information he wants about Chad being at the motel?

7. How does the author show that Win is a troubled character?

8. Who is the mysterious person who climbs out of Chad Coldren's bedroom window?

9. What does Myron do to get Stuart Lipwitz to talk to him about whether Chad has stayed at the motel?

10. What is Win's opinion of Jack's ability to win the U.S. Open?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does Coben use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

Greed takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the taboo of homosexuality that still existed at the time BACK SPIN was written in 1997. Compare and contrast homosexuality in America during the late 20th century to homosexuality in America today. What major changes have occurred, including both positive and negative?

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