Describe the historic Marmara Earthquake of 1999. What role does the earthquake play in the plot of the book? How would the story be different if there was no earthquake? What parts of the story would be the same, even without the earthquake? How do different characters react to the tragedy? What do Sinan's actions in the days following the earthquake say about his family loyalty? How do the Americans take advantage of the tragedy of the earthquake?

Discuss the Basioglu family. How is Sinan different from the rest of the members of his family? Is Nilufer a good mother or too strict? Describe the relationship between Nilufer and Irem. Why does Irem not want to be like her mother? How do Sinan and Nilufer treat their children differently? Why is it that Ismail gets so much attention from his parents? Do you think that...