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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. Where does John live?

2. From whom does John receive a letter?

3. Why is it interesting that Sharon and John keep the books they are reading a secret from one another?

4. Why is Lonnie in a hunger strike?

5. How does Kate respond to John's question?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does John run into after lunch with his aunt?

2. What is very apparent about John and Aunt Emily's relationship?

3. Why is Aunt Emily so upset about Kate, her stepdaughter?

4. Does Kate understand John's quest?

5. What kind of books does John like to read at the library?

6. What is John searching for as the novel begins?

7. What is John nervous about on the car ride to the Golf Coast?

8. Who does John feel that he has fallen in love with?

9. Where do the two decide to go once at the Gulf Coast and why is John surprised when they arrive?

10. Who has Kate started seeing to help with her depression?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Which theme did you think was the most important in the book?

Describe the theme and give three examples of times that it is explored by the characters in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

New Orleans is a city that is rich in culture, food, and arts. Describe the setting of New Orleans in relation to John's story. How does the backdrop and society of New Orleans affect the story? Describe three specific places in the city as well as three specific events that take place there.

Essay Topic 3

Everyone in the book is very nervous that John will "end up like his father." What are some qualities that John's family members do not want him to inherit from his father?

How could Aunt Emily have made John' life choice easier? Could she have supported his search but also asked him to take more responsibility for his life?

(see the answer keys)

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