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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. Which person of great wealth is mentioned in the story?

2. Which famous author was acquainted with Buechner's father?

3. Where did Mr. Buechner grow up?

4. Anna called to say that she had broken the bone in her _____.

5. How old was Jamie?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Buechner's thoughts regarding adulthood and emotional maturity?

2. Discuss the duplicity of Freddy's father and how it affects the child.

3. Did Buechner leave a suicide note? If so, where was it left and what did it say?

4. Discuss the presence of Grandma Buechner. How close is the family to the grandmother?

5. What does Freddy most admire about Grandma Buechner? How does Freddy view the relationship between mother and daughter-in-law?

6. How is the death of Freddy's father foreshadowed? How is it related to the rest of the author's life?

7. What is the first sign that the world is not always a safe place for little Freddy?

8. Discuss Freddy's favorite book as a child. Which character was Freddy's favorite?

9. Discuss the scenario around the death of Freddy's father.

10. Explain the nomadic behavior of the Buechner family when Freddy was a child.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Buechner's concept of beyond time relates to the turning points in one's life. What is the main difference between the two items as pointed out by the author? Compare and contrast using information in the book. Also add your own opinions and experiences. Write a 500 word essay on the topic either supporting or arguing against Buechner's observations.

Essay Topic 2

Freddy was sent to Germany to fight in World War II. Discuss the assignment. What was the purpose of the assignment? When was Buechner deployed? How long was he in Germany? What type of emotional disturbance did Freddy experience while on a mission? What had Freddy been ordered to do? What happened next? How did the situation affect Freddy's life?

Essay Topic 3

Examine Freddy's relationship with Naya and Grandpa Kuhn. What was the relationship between Kathy's parents and the boys? What about the grandparents' house gave the Buechners a sense of security that could be found nowhere else? What was unusual about Naya? What was the relationship like between Kathy and her parents? How did Naya continue to influence Freddy's life?

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