1. What do you think first attracts Dave to Gene Tole?

2. How do Dave's feelings about his parents' separation affect the perceptions he has of Gene?

3. What affect do you think Dave's relationship with his father had on his identity struggle?

4. If Dave was living with his father and his father hired Gene do build a garden, do you Dave would still have developed a bond with Gene? Why or why not?

5. Why do you suppose Dave's father is so shaken after his fight with Gene Tole? What does this have to do with his perception of his own manhood?

6. Explain why you think Larson downplays Gene's homosexuality.

7. How do you think Dave would perceive himself if he only had role models like his father in his life?

8. Larson neglects to give Dave's parents names. Why do you suppose he did this?

9. What purpose, if...