1. Why is Paula so adamant about staying in Tarpon Springs?

2. Why is Nick so eager to leave a town where he has a family that clearly adores him?

3. Nick was the classic high school football hero, and Paula was more studious. What attracted Nick to Paula? What attracted Paula to Nick?

4. What is the signifi cance of baklava in the story? Have you ever tried baklava? How would you describe the flavor?

5. Paula obviously has a reversal of the parent-child role in her relationship with her mother. How could this have happened, and when do you think it began?

6. Why would Paula continue to give her mother money without more accountability?

7. Do you think Paula’s mother and stepfather can work through their issues?

8. After Amanda tries to steal from Paula, what drives Paula to help Amanda?

9. Kate was clearly the “bad girl” from high school. How does this affect her relationship with her daughter? How does this affect her relationship with Paula?

10. Have you ever experienced being labeled “class nerd,” “class clown,” “the pretty one,” “jock” or any other label typically placed on high school kids? Has this affected you for the rest of your life, and if so, how?

11. After Nick retires from the Air Force, do you think he can be happy living in Tarpon Springs?