Read the poems in “After” (pages 5–6) and discuss what you think of the opening.
Do you think this scene will become real later in the story? How do you think the main character gets to this point in his life? Predict what the consequences of his decisions will be.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think the author decided to divide the novel into parts,“After” and “Before”? The author also uses a prose/poetry style to tell this story.Why do you think he picked this format? What does it add to the narrative?
What do you learn about the main character in chapter one? Describe him and the realities of his life. Compare them to your own. How would you cope under his extraordinary circumstances?
Bandon is a community divided “There’s the white section—the haves. And the black section—the never had shit.” (page 21) Is your community divided as well? Could things ever become more equal? How? How can kids be given the same opportunities for education and success?
What is Jayson’s “outside game”? Do you have one too? Do you think everyone shows the world a face that is not really who they are? Who gets to see the real side of Jay? Who sees your real side?
Describe Jay’s relationship with his mother, Lizzie. Do you consider the way she treats him abusive? Is there a line between discipline and abuse? Does Jay have some alternative choices to taking his mother’s treatment? Why doesn’t he react?
Explain why Jay’s relationship with his dad is so tenuous. How has addiction controlled his father’s life? Why do you think Jay bothers to see his father at all?Would you stay in a relationship with a parent who had a drug problem? Would you blame the addict or the addiction? Why?
Why doesn’t Jay confide in Trax about his life at home? Does Trax share the whole truth with Jay? How does this add to Trax’s tragedy? Do you think Jay could’ve prevented the accident if he had known? Could Trax have prevented Jay’s decision to kill himself?
Compare and contrast Milburn (where Jay goes to school) to Bandon. Do you think the school gives Jay hope, or does it contribute to his despair to see how other people live? Why? Why does Jayson prefer being at school rather than at home?
Who is April? What does she mean to Jay? Is their love for each other real?What makes you think so or not? Why isn’t their relationship enough to prevent Jay’s decision to end his life? Why didn’t he turn to April about his feelings of hopelessness?
What does Jay finally learn about his own true parents? Do you think this contributes to his decision to kill himself? Why? Is there ever a good reason to keep the truth from someone? Why or why not?
Discuss the consequences of Jayson’s decision to jump. What are the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of his decision? Does he regret it? Why?What other choices did he have? Why do you think he felt unable to do any of them?
Where is Jayson at the end of the story? Do you think there will be long-term consequences for his decision? What type of parent will Trina be? Will his new life with Trina help him to live a better life?
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