2. One of Buckminster Fuller's guiding principles says, "I will forge my journey" in a particular way "to keep accepting and totally boneheaded notions from blinding me to truth" (7). What is that the particular way the principle says one's journey should be forged?

3. In what state do Nana and Sebastian live?

4. What does Janice Whitcomb repeatedly cite as the reason that Mr. Whitcomb is never home?

5. What does Janice instruct the youth group members to write on their note cards that they will then burn?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the scene in which Jared shows his scar?

2. What is the significance of the framed photographs of the dome that Nana and Sebastian sell in their gift shop?

3. How does Janice's invitation to stay for lunch serve as a major turning point in Sebastian's life?

4. Explain the Guiding Principles according to Buckminster Fuller's philosophy of life.

5. What comment from Sebastian causes the rest of the car ride home from youth group to be spent in uncomfortable silence?

6. What does Nana say she discovers during a vision she has while Jared has been secretly visiting Jared for the first time?

7. What is the significance of Buckminster Fuller's suicide attempt?

8. How do Nana's past predictions about Sebastian's path contrast with her pronouncements about him after her stroke?

9. What does Sebastian notice about Nana's clothing just before her stroke?

10. What does Sebastian say he used to require from Nana in order to be able to fall asleep and what is its significance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of language within the novel and how does the author use differences in diction, word choice, and formality levels within the dialogue of the various characters in order to support a number of the novel's underlying themes?