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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. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?", what is Natsu's initial reaction when she recognizes the tomboy from her past?

2. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," what does Makiko and Natsu do to support themselves after their mother and grandmother passes away?

3. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," why does Natsu tiptoe through the kitchen to the peephole when the bell rang?

4. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," what does Natsu ask Midoriko after the awkward silence?

5. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," what is Midoriko's reason for not going to the baths with her mom?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?" how does Natsu's relationship with her sister Makiko and her niece Midoriko influence her perspective on life and her own dreams?

2. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," in Midoriko's journal entry, she contemplates the process of fertilization and the development of eggs. How does this reflection reveal her anxieties and concerns about womanhood, and what does it imply about societal expectations?

3. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," describe the atmosphere and setting of the Chinese restaurant where the characters are dining. How does the environment reflect the restaurant's reputation?

4. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," how does the amusement park setting serve as a contrast to Natsu's inner turmoil and emotional state?

5. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," how does Natsu's memory of the Chinese restaurant and Kewpie reflect their personal experiences and the changing dynamics of the community?

6. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does Natsu's encounter with Yamagu, now known as Chika Yamaguchi, at the Chinese restaurant evoke memories from her past? How does this encounter reflect the theme of unexpected reunions in the story?

7. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?" how do Natsu's past memories with Makiko and her dreams of becoming a writer intersect with her responsibilities towards her niece?

8. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does the conversation between Makiko and Natsu about Kewpie, the local legend in Shobashi, highlight the complexities of human behavior and the ambiguous moral dilemmas faced by individuals in difficult situations?

9. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," how does Natsu describe her current life in Tokyo? What aspects of her life and career contribute to her feelings of stagnation and isolation?

10. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," how does the act of cleaning the blood-stained sheets and the exchange with Midoriko in the bathroom underscore the mother-daughter dynamic in the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where's Your Ambition," discuss how Natsu's encounter with Ryoko Sengawa, the editor from a big publisher, influences her perspective on writing and her approach to her work.

Essay Topic 2

In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," discuss Makiko's contemplation of breast augmentation as a means of addressing her financial struggles and the tensions in her relationship with her daughter, Midoriko.

Essay Topic 3

In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," analyze the portrayal of human emotions and the intricacies of human connection in this narrative excerpt, and discuss the broader theme of self-discovery presented in Natsu's reflections.

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