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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What topic did Bryson's father talk to the family about periodically?
(a) Helping out around the house.
(b) Living on a farm.
(c) Saving more money.
(d) Moving to a big city.

2. What was Bryson's parents' response to the Cuban Missile Crisis?
(a) They built an air raid shelter.
(b) They knew they were going to die.
(c) Everything would be fine.
(d) They were cautiously optimistic.

3. What was the minimum age for admittance into the venue in #148 when Bryson was 13?
(a) 21.
(b) 16.
(c) 14.
(d) 18.

4. Who was the only former member of the club in #164 who was allowed to remain?
(a) Eddie.
(b) Milton Milton.
(c) Doug.
(d) Chuck.

5. What time did Bryson have to get to work on Sundays?
(a) Mid-afternoon.
(b) Noon.
(c) Before dawn.
(d) Mid-morning.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which friend joined the military and died during the first Gulf War?

2. Which of the following did Bryson always forget to bring to school?

3. What was Bill's reaction after the Cuban Missile Crisis?

4. Which friend became Bryson's literary agent?

5. What was the name of the dog that harassed Bryson?

Short Essay Questions

1. What changes were occurring in Des Moines as the 1950s came to a close?

2. What did the adult Bryson recall about the Des Moines of his youth?

3. What were Bryson's favorite books in school and why did he like them?

4. What was Bryson's opinion of staying in Des Moines versus moving to a bigger city?

5. What did Bryson and his friends do when they went to the movie matinees?

6. What did Bryson learn about his parents that pleased him and how did this change his views of his real parentage?

7. What did Bryson usually do when he spent time at his grandparents' home?

8. Describe the events surrounding Bryson's finally getting into the strippers' tent at the state fair.

9. How did the Bryson family end up staying in a hotel in Harlem?

10. What did the adult Bryson recall about what happened to his parents and friends?

(see the answer keys)

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