The novel highlights issues of sexism and misogyny. Nick and other members of the family violence group often make crude remarks. How would the novel and its significance be different if the protagonist were a teenage girl? What about an older woman? What if Nick’s mother came back into his life?

What is the purpose of the dates as chapter titles? What is the role of time—past, present, future—in the novel? What do you imagine Nick’s future looks like?

Using Miss Higgins’s letter as inspiration, write a letter to Nick’s father persuading him to treat Nick better. What should he know about Nick? Why should he change his behavior? Use evidence from the novel to back up your claims.