Discuss symbolism in the story “Kitchen Table.” How do the symbols connect to Billy’s hopes regarding his absent father?

Pick any two stories in the collection and discuss the different ways they approach the theme of A Son’s Need for His Father’s Approval.

Compare and contrast the characters of Luke from “Departed” and Ryan from “Tighty-Whities or Boxers?”. Both boys have lost their fathers. How do grief and memory shape their identities and choices?

In what ways are Gramps from “The Amalfi Duo” and Charlie’s father from “Beat Up” similar? How are they different?

Compare two different stories and how they each explore the theme of Coming of Age Through Change, Loss, and Acceptance.

What does The Feeling of Home initially mean to Road and to Damon? How does this shift?

Examine any three stories and trace how dialogue is used to demonstrate emotional tension between characters.

What types of intergenerational tensions do these stories investigate? How are they shown through the relationships presented in the collection?