1. What does the Prologue imply is the likely cause of the narrator being unprepared for her child's birth?
(a) She is distracted by her tumultuous relationship with a married man.
(b) She did not anticipate that the baby might arrive before its due date.
(c) She does not pay attention to the information she gets from the May Mothers.
(d) She is not really interested in being a mother and is living in denial.

2. What does the narrator say is the downside of her genetic inheritance?
(a) Her mother had a substance use disorder.
(b) Her father had bipolar disorder.
(c) Her mother had breast cancer.
(d) Her father had cystic fibrosis.

3. What does Nell suspect might be causing Winnie to feel overwhelmed?
(a) Postpartum depression.
(b) Money problems.
(c) Midas's difficult temperament.
(d) Her failed relationship.

4. What is Nell's line of work?
(a) Medical equipment sales.
(b) Information security.
(c) Public policy analysis.
(d) Investment fund management.

5. What does Nell bring to the park that surprises the May Mothers?
(a) Marijuana.
(b) Cheesecake.
(c) Muffins.
(d) Wine.

Short Answer Questions

1. Early in their conversation at the bar, what aspect of life in the United States do the May Mothers compare unfavorably with the situation in other countries?

2. What Billy Idol song's lyrics do the women end up singing along to at the bar?

3. What is the name of the babysitter that Nell provides for Winnie?

4. Where does the novel take place?

5. What kind of books does Colette write?

(see the answer key)

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