Peekay's "granpa" tells him at one point that the Bible is good for matters of the heart, but hopeless for those of the head. Reconcile this view with that held by Peekay to lead with the head but finish with the heart, and his uncompromising approach to his mother's church.

Does Peekay become harder as he gets older? How does the time in Northern Rhodesia demonstrate his decision to suspend the life that he has known?

Consider racism. Does it apply to only color barriers, or can it apply to the divisions between the same colors as well? Can it apply to people of color discriminating against each other or people of other colors? Give some examples from the novel.

Discuss the significance of death in the novel, giving examples of the people in Peekay's life who passed away, the manner of their passing...