Fog

Despite the opportunity to make a lot of money, Tom will not allow Billy to store liquor at his place.  What do you think his real reasons for this are?

Fog

Ruben thinks that both Jeddy and Marina are in tougher spots than he is.  Why does he believe this?

Remember

To revisit previous posts.

A Change in Plans

Because I messed up the reading and posting schedule (sorry), I'm making some minor revisions.

For Thursday: read through page 223


For Sunday: finish the story

A Safe Haven

Why do you think nobody from Ruben's family visited him during his time at Tom's?

A Safe Haven

Why do you think Ruben enjoyed and appreciated his time at Tom's so well?

Seeing Stars

After the conversation in the car with Marina, what new thoughts do you have about the ticket or the people involved in the rum-running racket?

Seeing Stars

From page 192: "I figured he was one of the kingpins, because everyone was kowtowing to him, holding his coat and backing up to give him room."


What do you think it means to kowtow?

Seeing Stars

Did anyone notice two typos (on the same page, with the same word) in this chapter?

Where's The Ticket?

Do you think Ruben will be able to continue denying possession of the ticket?  What do you think will come of this?

The Muffled Engine

What do you think was happening at the end of the chapter?  Who do you think was in the car?

The Muffled Engine

On page 176, why did Ruben laugh cynically?

The Muffled Engine

Why did Ruben take off on a sort of aimless bicycle ride?  What kind of mood was he in during this time that might explain his motivation?

A New Wind

What do you think was the most important thing to come out of this chapter?  Why?

A New Wind

What do you think the message was that Marina was trying to convey to Ruben?

A New Wind

What do you think the message was that Stanley Culp was conveying to Charlie Pope?

A New Wind

Using context, please tell what you think the word "surly" means on page 161.

Home Improvements

Why do you think the rum-running business in Rhode Island has gotten so widespread and out of hand at this point?

Home Improvements

Ruben chose not to unload any more boats even though he had opportunities, thinking it wasn't right, yet he accepted jobs bartending, using illegal liquor.  How do you think he justified this?  Why was one wrong and the other apparently okay?

Home Improvements

On page 155, where Aunt Grace is reading from the newspaper, these two words are used: "scourge" and "brazen."  Based on context, what do you think each of these words mean?

Knuckling Under

Why was this chapter titled "Knuckling Under?"

Knuckling Under

Please reread the first two paragraphs on page 143, looking up definitions of any words you need to, and then explain what you think this means: "Now, with Mr. Riley absent from the store, the breach widened and the shady world of his rum-running operations began to encroach directly on my father's pristine territory."

Tom Morrison's Visitor

What thoughts or predictions did you have after reading about Billy Brady's conversation with Ruben about the ticket?

The Bill

How do you feel about Ruben explaining about the half fifty-dollar bill to Jeddy, and why you feel that way?

The Squeeze

Discuss what you think the significance is of the half fifty-dollar bill Ruben found in the tobacco pouch.

The Squeeze

Why do you think Ruben's father allowed him to go to Brown's Cove but now will not discuss the incident with him?

The Breakup

What do you think is going on in Jeddy's mind during the conversation with Ruben?  Why do you think Jeddy doesn't "have time" to be with Ruben?

The Job at Brown's

This chapter might have been a bit confusing to you.  Let's make sure you're clear before you read on.  What is your interpretation of what happened at Brown's Cove and why Mr. Riley was arrested and taken away while the rest of the people arrested were let go by the police?  What questions do you have that we can help you to answer?

The Job at Brown's

On page 100, Ruben says of Mr. Riley, "He was giving me a lot more scope than my own father..."  What do you think that means?

The Killers Return

What do you suppose the two men were really looking for in Tom's shack?

The Killers Return

What do you think was the turning point for Jeddy that caused him to think he had to report the incidents to his father?  Do you think this is what he should do?  Please explain your thoughts.

Tom Morrison

What is the most pressing question on your mind at this point in the story?

Tom Morrison

What do you think is the most important thing you learned in this chapter?  Why?  What kinds of conclusions have you reached?

Absent from School

What do you think Ruben and Jeddy were insinuating about Charlie?

The Secret

What do you think is Ruben's dilemma with regard to whether or not he should tell Jeddy about the Black Duck?  What must he consider?

Black Duck

What inferences, connections, or speculation did you take away from this chapter?  What does it lead you to believe or wonder?

Muzzled

What role do you think Ruben having the dead man's pipe might play in the story as it progresses?

The Interview (pp. 37-40)

This chapter gives us a little more insight into some of the differences between David and his father.  How do you think they see the world differently, at least in terms of David's role and purpose?

The Disappearance

The events in this chapter seem to have really unnerved Charlie and  Jeddy's father.  Why do you suppose that is?  Why did each of them react the way they did?

The Disappearance

What do you suppose is the origin of the rift between Charlie and Marina?

The Disappearance

What is your theory about what happened to the body?

A Dark-Rimmed Hole

What do you think caused Marina to break down into laughter?  What do you think Ruben thought about it?