1. How do the author and her friends change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?

2. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think she is trying to get across to the reader?

3. What stereotypes, regarding the peace movement, did you accept as true prior to reading this book? Have your views of peace activists changed?

4. What event in the book was most moving for you? What was the most powerful scene in the book?

5. Prior to reading this book, how would you define patriotism? After reading the book, has your perception of “patriotism” changed? If so, how?

6. What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book? Can you relate to the author and the other’s emotions and positions about the war in Vietnam? To the war in Iraq? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?

7. How has reading this book changed your opinion of the peace movement? Do you empathize with them or not?

8. Do you believe it is possible to object to a war and still be patriotic?

9. Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she achieve this?

10. Does the author give consideration to all sides of the debate?

11. Has the book increased your interest in war and peace, activism and politics?

12. Do you feel ‘changed’ in anyway? Did it expand your range of experience or challenge your assumptions? Did reading it help you to understand a person better – perhaps a friend or relative, or even yourself?

13. Have you ever been placed in a situation where you have questioned your own stance on an issue? To defend your stance?