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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 the name of Francesca's husband?

2. One of the groups looking for Backman often employs a hit man known only as the _____.

3. The newest of the informants is located in which city?

4. Maynard is fired for refusing to do which of the following?

5. Marco knows that he cannot be arrested without _____.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Backman's opinion of Francesca? What does Backman do that is against the rules?

2. What is Francesca's part in Backman's escape plan? Is it a good plan?

3. What is Backman's plan after he leaves Milan?

4. At this point in the story what is Backman's biggest obstacle to going out on his own?

5. Discuss Backman's transactions at the bank. What is Backman's plan?

6. What is the status of the FBI investigation into the offshore bank account?

7. Who is Dan Sandberg? What is his interest in the case? Who does Sandberg contact for information?

8. What happens to Backman at the bus station? How does Backman manage to get away?

9. How does Backman's plan change once he arrives in Switzerland?

10. Who is Susan Penn? What is her role in the story? What information does she give to the President?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Backman decides the right thing to do is to turn JAM over to the Pentagon. Discuss Backman's decision. Why did Backman make the choice? Was it the right choice? Was Backman concerned about national security or did he have a bout with his conscience? Does Backman get paid for the program? Does Backman turn everything over or does he hold something back? Explain. What do you think the Pentagon intends to do with JAM? Do you think Backman is safe now? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

John Grisham uses a great deal of technical information regarding JAM, Neptune, and other intricate matters. Grisham states, however, that he has little to know knowledge of these things or satellites, smartphones, etc. How do you think Grisham got the information he needed to write the book? Were there any glaring technical errors in the book? Why not write about familiar subjects? Why is law Grisham's forte? What type of experts might have been used to help with research or the editing phase of the project? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Write a journal from the point of view of Teddy Maynard. Begin with the plan to release Backman. Include the details of the plan, how Maynard orchestrated the deal, the desired confession, Morgan's role in the story, Javier's assistance, etc. Also include Maynard's thoughts after he was fired and what his plans are for the future.

(see the answer keys)

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