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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 did Matt send Katie every day in June?

2. What style is Matt's poetry?

3. What was going to be printed that Katie had edited?

4. What of Matt's is Katie editing?

5. What does Suzanne say Melanie always has?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Suzanne describe Melanie Bone?

2. How does Katie take comfort while dealing with her emotions?

3. What do Katie and Matt do in the evening after go to the museums?

4. What does Suzanne say about seeing Matt the day after they talked in the diner?

5. Describe Suzanne's meeting Jean.

6. What does Katie remember about the night she and Matt made love and Katie becomes pregnant?

7. What does Katie realize as she slams the diary shut and what does she need?

8. Who is with Katie and what are they doing?

9. How does Suzanne describe meeting Matt in Picasso?

10. How does Suzanne end up in the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of James Patterson.

2. What in Patterson's background may have helped him in writing this book? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Rick and Lon. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Lon and Nuke. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" help drive the plot, and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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