Discussion Questions FOR Old Buildings in North Texas

  1. Do you find this all-female household realistic? 

  2. Olivia seems to invite injury.  Does she, as her mother claims, bring these dangers on herself? 

  3. Why does Olivia have difficulty forming healthy relationships?

     

  4. Is there any aspect of Olivia’s psyche where she is not as self-aware as she thinks she is?

     

  5. Does Olivia like herself?

     

  6. Do you like Olivia? 

     

  7. Does being self-aware mean that a person is obligated to improve themselves?

     

  8. Is there anyone in your life that reminds you of Olivia?

     

  9. Does it bother you that the mystery of the dead body in the old jail is never resolved?

     

  10. Is it generous of Olivia to return the Meskar will to the rightful heir? What, if anything, does this act represent?

     

  11. Olivia is self-absorbed. Does Chloe bringing a baby into the house alter Olivia’s outlook? 

     

  12. What are your thoughts about the men in OBiNT? What part do they play in Olivia’s personal drama?

     

  13. In addiction, one is said to be going up or spiraling down, but Olivia seems to be stuck on a plateau.  Are you optimistic about her recovery?

     

  14. What do you think the future holds for Olivia?

     

  15. Has this novel changed your view toward addiction and addicts? 

     

  16. What is the theme of Old Buildings? 

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 DISCUSSIOn questions for Why Stuff Matters

 

  1. In what way is the town of Caprock reflected in this story?

     

  2. Why does Jess vacillate between kindness and coldness? Which is the real Jess?

     

  3. What is the source of Lizzie’s precocious and acquisitive nature?

     

  4. What do you think Lizzie will be like as an adult?

     

  5. Why is Roxy the way she is? Is her background important?

     

  6. Are you offended by the grasping natures of the vendors? If so, why?

     

  7. Given that the vendors overvaluing their “stuff” is exaggerated, do you know anyone who places too much value on their possessions?

     

  8. Did the humor enhance or detract from the story? What made you laugh?

     

  9. The question as to why stuff is important is implied in the title. Do you get an answer to the question?

     

  10. With the three main characters being Jess, Lizzie, and Roxy, the vendors act as a chorus. Do you have a favorite peripheral character?

     

  11. Of your material possessions, what do you value most and why?

  12. What, in your opinion, are the most ridiculous collections?