What role does trauma have on the author? Do you think he is ever able to overcome the trauma of his youth?

The influence of the past on the future is a theme that runs throughout the memoir. This question allows the reader to consider the impact that Alexie's traumatic youth had on the direction of his life. The intent is to provoke the reader to consider specific ways in which trauma directed the author's actions in various situations. The second part of the question encourages the reader to question the memoir in its entirety and whether the author was ever able to come to terms with his past. This is a discussion question with a wide range of answers that promotes a discussion on what it means to 'overcome' trauma. For some, not allowing it to impact success (of any type: financial, personal relations, professional, etc...