1. Compare Kerry and Jay's relationship to Marise and Tony's relationship. In what way are they similar? If they don't satisfy each other romantically, what other needs might the relationships fill?

2. "Wine talks; ask anyone.... It has a million voices. It unleashes the tongue.... It revives summers long past and memories best forgotten" (pg 1). Does this statement resonate for you? If so, how? How does it relate to the Specials? Are there other instances in the novel in which food or wine play an active role in guiding a character's actions?

3. What qualities made Joe so appealing to Jay? Jay felt betrayed; was his anger justified? What was Joe attempting to teach Jay about reality, about everyday life? Did Jay ever learn this lesson?

4. Discuss the presence-or lack thereof-of nature in Jay's life, and how it affects his state of mind. What-if anything-is the author saying about country living versus city living?

5. Why did Jay have to destroy his new manuscript before beginning a new life? Why was it important for Jay to finally plant Joe's "Specials" seeds?