Discuss Joe Allston. What did Joe do for a living? How does the reader discover Joe's level of education? Why has Joe come to live in California? Who is Curtis? How did Curtis live his life? How does Curtis's life affect Joe? How does Curtis die? How does this life and death affect Joe? How does Curtis's death reflect in Joe's actions in regards to Jim Peck? In regards to Marian Catlin?

Discuss Jim Peck. Who is Jim Peck? Why does Peck want to live on the Allston property? Why does Joe point out that Peck rides a motorcycle and will be using manufactured camping gear to survive on his property? Why does Peck tap into Joe's electricity and water without permission? Why does Peck build a shed and do other things on Joe's property without permission? What kind of business does Peck begin...