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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 is Rachel's brother's profession?

2. What is Tara named after?

3. When Rachel was dating Bud, what did she believe money did to people?

4. What new job does Bud take after quitting?

5. To which city in the Philippines does Angelica take Bud for Christmas?

Short Essay Questions

1. After his medical treatments, what does Saul do when he arrives back home?

2. Rachel describes her brother as "a total pill." How does Saul's illness affect his character?

3. When Frankie first meets Matthew, what does he tell her he wants to do?

4. When Bud goes to his late father's house with his siblings, what does he give up?

5. Describe how Nadia and Rachel first meet Ethan, Kirk's new boyfriend.

6. What does Saul tell Rachel is one reason why Kirk wants them to break up after Saul is diagnosed with cancer?

7. After Matthew gets his job at Devils Postpile National Monument, what do he and Frankie argue about?

8. When Frankie quits her job at the doctor's office, how does her then boyfriend, Quinn, react?

9. What idea does Bud come up with for temporary employment while living at Lizzie's apartment?

10. How does Bud describe his relationship with Sally?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select 2-3 symbols from the novel and write an essay analyzing how they relate to one of the novel's major themes.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the differences between Tara being raised in Kathmandu versus California and New York. How does the role of money change their happiness in two different places?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining the shift in Saul's perspective about his illness. How did he find happiness during his sickness? What was the importance of Kirk and Ethan's support and Nadia and Rachel's support?

(see the answer keys)

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