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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. Who is close on Marco's trail?

2. The letter asks for money as well as a device that can be used for which of the following?

3. Where is the man from originally?

4. Where does Marco meet up with his new tutor?

5. Who is Marco's lawyer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the scene at Francesca's apartment. Who is there? Who is noticeably absent from the scene?

2. What happens when Neal receives the letter from his father? What does Neal do next? What does Lisa think of the plan?

3. What does Backman do once he arrives in the US?

4. What other groups are interested in Backman? Which group is not?

5. Discuss the involvement of Mossad at this point in the story. Why are the Mossad dangerous?

6. Describe the scene in which Backman is approached by two FBI agents.

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

8. Describe the scene on the train. What is the benefit of having the unpleasant woman in the same car?

9. What is Backman's most prized possession at this point? What happens to the item?

10. What happens that makes it obvious that Backman's safe house is no longer safe? What does Backman do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Grisham examines the existence of JAM, a program designed to block transmissions to and from satellites in space. Discuss JAM. Do you think it exists? If so, where and how is it used? Who uses it? If it does not exist, how long do you think it might take to develop such a system? Technologically speaking, who is most likely to create and develop this type of program? Research the internet for information on this type of product. Write about the information found. Also discuss what Grisham's current opinion might be on this topic.

Essay Topic 3

Carl Pratt is an attorney and former business partner to Joel Backman. Discuss Pratt's role in the story. What was Pratt's involvement in the JAM deal? Did Pratt know what Backman was doing and/or planned to do? What is Pratt's opinion on the entire situation? What charges were brought against Pratt at the trial? How was Pratt released? What did Backman do to protect Pratt? Did Pratt take over the business on a temporary or permanent basis? What were Pratt's thoughts when he learned that Backman was going to be released? Were Pratt's fears rational? What is Pratt's opinion on Backman? Why does Pratt agree to help Backman by contacting Clayburn and arranging the meeting? What is Pratt's position when the story ends? Do you think Pratt and Backman will ever work together again? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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