1. In what ways does Carter challenge himself? And does Carter think of himself as a better person for taking on such challenges? Furthermore, how do these tasks change over the course of the novel?

2. What does Christopher see in Carter? What does Carter see in Christopher?

3. Carter says of himself, "What good is any spiritual path ... for someone completely devoid of patience and generosity and love?" Is this a fair assessment? In a novel in which characters are measured by their moral and ethical worth, why would Carter judge himself to be so low on the scale?

4. What do you believe is the significance of Mia Malone having changed her original name?

5. Mia calls Carter a "truth seeker." Do you think this is true, and if so, what sort of truth is Carter seeking? If Mia is mistaken, what exactly is Carter searching for?

6. Mia calls Carter a "truth seeker." Do you think this is true, and if so, what sort of truth is Carter seeking? If Mia is mistaken, what exactly is Carter searching for?

7. In what ways are Carter and Mia similar?

8. What is the importance of dates in the book (i.e., Friday the 13th; Easter Sunday, etc.)?

9. Why do you think the author provides two different endings to the novel?