Describe the characters of each of Francesca's new female friends: Tara, Siobhan, and Justine. What attracts Francesca to each of these young women? How are they different from her friends at St. Stella's? What important lesson about life does Francesca learn from each of these new friends? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Why does Francesca fall in love with William Trombol? Describe Francesca's change in emotion toward William. What do you think causes this change? In your opinion, is William a good romantic match for Francesca? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Describe Francesca's relationship with her mother, Mia. How has Mia shaped Francesca's life, in obvious and subtle ways? Why was Francesca so adverse to her mother's opinions at the beginning of the novel...