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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 music is in Nicky's room?

2. What do the three see at a playhouse?

3. What does Katie do when she finds Suzanne and Nicky's graves?

4. Who has has accepted a poem from Matt for publication?

5. Who does Katie see on the sidewalk one day as she looks out her window?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why isn't Nicky with Matt and what does Matt wish?

2. Why does Katie go to the Vineyard and what does she think about on the way there?

3. What does Katie share with her parents and what is their reation?

4. What surprise does Matt arrange for the end of the wedding ceremony?

5. What happens after Suzanne is admitted to the hospital?

6. Where does Katie encounter Melanie and what does Melanie tell Nicky?

7. Who goes with Katie to the gynecologist's appointment, and how is Katie feeling as she waits to get in to see the doctor?

8. What does Matt tell Nicky as Matt sits in Nicky's room and what does Matt wish he had done?

9. What does Katie remember about Matt as she is thinking about the diary?

10. What does Matt think about as he sits in Nicky's nursery?

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 readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as this help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of this book. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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