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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. Why does Jordan say he would not be a smart hire in "You're the Nearest Thing to Heaven That I've Seen"?

2. When Craig describes himself as "the beating heart of a family" (282) that is an example of what?

3. What is the mood of Jordy's funeral?

4. What was the Jordans' wedding like?

5. In the last chapter, how long does Jordan reveal he has to live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What solution does Jordan give when Naomi says she will not go to Big Sur without him?

2. What happened to Jordan during his dive in "Why Do Stars Fall Down From the Sky"?

3. What prompts Jordan to reveal a secret about Alec, and what is the secret?

4. How does Jordan feel about Jordy's skydiving instructor?

5. When was Jordy's funeral held and what was the tone?

6. What does Craig bring to his funeral; what is the reason?

7. Why does Naomi repeat a calculation at the beginning of "Why Do Stars Fall Down From the Sky"?

8. Under what circumstances does the friend group meet Craig in New York; is he aware they are going to arrive?

9. What does Jordy do for their anniversary? What steps does he take to make it extra special in "Why Do Stars Fall Down From the Sky"?

10. Why does Craig rationale that he is going to plead guilty at the beginning of the "There's a Wonder in Most Everything I See"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Up until Jordan's diagnosis, he has been portrayed as highly individualistic. Discuss how Rowley's juxtaposition of Jordan's independent past against his dependent present makes his cancer diagnosis even more frustrating. Why is it impactful for the reader to see what Jordan lost versus just showing his current struggle? Draw from one to three scenes in the novel to make your point, avoid general discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay discussing how Rowley creates suspense during the Ouija Board scene? Which literary techniques did he use and what were their effects? Make sure to cite direct evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay arguing how Rowley's use of omniscient narration is necessary for the construction of his characters. What elements would be left behind if limited narration was used; which facets of the novel would no longer work? Why is it important that the reader has access to every person in the friend group's thoughts?

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