Trace the development of Josie’s character throughout the novel. How is she presented at the beginning, and how does the reader’s understanding of the character change over the course of the story? How does Jewell achieve this effect?

Discuss Alix’s relationship with her sisters, Zoe and Maxine. How does Alix Summer feel about her sisters? How does she see herself as the same as, or different from, them?

Trace Alix’s changing perspective on her life over the course of the novel. How does she feel about it at the beginning? At the end?