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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. For how long has Arthur Less been in New York at the novel's opening?
(a) Three days.
(b) Fewer than twenty-four hours.
(c) One week.
(d) On month.

2. When Freddy and Arthur are sitting in the bar and are describing one another using one sentence, Freddy describes Arthur using what adjective?
(a) Brave.
(b) Scared.
(c) Angry.
(d) Passive-aggressive.

3. What does Arthur Less do when he gets back to his New York City hotel room after getting the bad news about Cormorant Publishing passing on his newest book?
(a) He draws a bath.
(b) He eats a late dinner.
(c) He drinks a bottle of wine.
(d) He smokes a cigarette.

4. In what area of New York City had Arthur Less lived for a time after college?
(a) Manhattan.
(b) Long Island.
(c) The West Village.
(d) The Meatpacking District.

5. What topic is NOT on the list of questions Arthur Less is forbidden to ask the science fiction writer during the interview?
(a) His wife.
(b) His daughter.
(c) His age.
(d) His poorly-reviewed poetry collection.

6. Arthur's tour of Mexico City starts with a ride on what type of transportation?
(a) Pedicab.
(b) Bicycle.
(c) Subway.
(d) Seaplane.

7. On what holiday in 1987 did Arthur Less meet his one-time rival Carlos?
(a) Labor Day.
(b) New Year's Day.
(c) Memorial Day.
(d) Halloween.

8. What occasion had served as the final time the members of the Russian River School had assembled together?
(a) Marian's stroke.
(b) Arthur's winning of the Wilde and Stein Award.
(c) Stella's death.
(d) Robert's winning of the Pulitzer Prize.

9. What color is the theme of the party at which Freddy and Arthur meet for the first time?
(a) Gold.
(b) Blue.
(c) Red.
(d) White.

10. What food does the guide in Mexico City name as being at the center of Mexican cuisine?
(a) Beans.
(b) Pork.
(c) Chilis.
(d) Tortillas.

11. During their first meeting on the beach, what does Marian advise Arthur to do with his youth?
(a) Regret it.
(b) Embrace it.
(c) Bury it.
(d) Waste it.

12. In what country had Arthur Less bought his signature blue suit?
(a) Japan.
(b) China.
(c) Cambodia.
(d) Vietnam.

13. In what city do Arthur and Robert first meet on a beach?
(a) San Diego.
(b) Sunnyvale.
(c) San Francisco.
(d) Alameda.

14. What is NOT on the list of expenses that Arthur Less cannot afford to pay for during his trip around the world?
(a) Medical emergency.
(b) Nights out on the town.
(c) Cab fare.
(d) Clothing purchases.

15. What job does Peter Hunt perform for Arthur Less?
(a) Peter Hunt is Arthur Less's literary agent.
(b) Peter Hunt is the head of Arthur Less's main publisher.
(c) Peter Hunt is Arthur Less's hairstylist.
(d) Peter Hunt is Arthur Less's accountant.

Short Answer Questions

1. With what group of artists and writers was Arthur Less once associated?

2. In what month does the novel open?

3. In what decade of life had Arthur Less been when his work was first published?

4. At what age did Arthur Less start a romance with the poet Robert Brownburn?

5. What language does Arthur mention to his literary escort that he had studied in high school, referring to his choice as a big mistake?

(see the answer keys)

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