1. Do Crutcher's introductions to the stories and foreword to the collection add or subtract from the experience of reading the book?

2. How believable is the ending of "The Other Pin?" What could have been some other alternate endings?

3. Most of these stories were written over a decade ago. Do the hateful attitudes,in particular about homosexuals and African Americans held by charactersin these stories, still ring true? Has the United States made any progress in reducing racism and homophobia?

4. In "The Pin," Johnny wonders if he should have lost. Would he have been right in making that decision?

5. In "Goin' Fishin'," Lion must confront Neal, the person responsible for killing his parents. How believable is this scene? Does Lion seem ready to show mercy? Why or why not?

6. If Crutcher's main characters are the heroes of each story, then who are the villains? Why...