1. Of the five main characters in Rock Bottom, which one did you find the most compelling, and why? Which character did you find the most humorous?

2. Amsterdam plays an important role in the novel. Discuss the ways in which the city influences the actions of each band member.

3. Rock Bottom is a no- bruises- spared portrayal of the rock-and-roll world. In your opinion, which band member gains the most from the difficult experience the band endures?

4. What do you think of the “friendship” between the band members?

5. Which characters did you feel were really friends at the beginning of Rock Bottom? Did that change in the course of the novel?

6. What is the importance of Joey in the story of Blood Orphans?

7. What does she ultimately learn from her experience as manager of the band?

8. Discuss the idea of forgiveness in Rock Bottom. How important is forgiveness to the members of Blood Orphans?

9. Darlo starts off as a truly vile character, yet as the novel progresses he is forced to confront much of his past behavior. Does he eventually find a conscience?

10. The love story between Joey and Darlo is, to say the least, a fairly unconventional romance. In what ways does their relationship impact the lives of the other band members?