What factors contribute to Lionel’s inner crisis? What challenges does he face? How does his internal conflict drive the narrative forward?

Analyze Lionel’s love of basketball. How does Lionel experience his identity as an athlete? How do sports contribute to his well-being? Does Paul Langan perpetuate or counter stereotypical depictions of the Black athlete?

Consider the novel’s setting. How does Langan depict the majority-Black urban neighborhood? What are the limitations and possibilities of a white perspective on contextualizing Black people’s lives?