Consider the title of the novel. What does Lord attempt to convey with this? Why does Vivi use this turn of phrase to describe her and Jonah’s relationship? 

Consider Vivi’s naivety and wisdom. Why does Lord write Vivi in such a way? Does this endear her to the readers? Does she seem more realistic? List a few examples wherein Vivi contradicts herself.

Compare and contrast Vivi’s mother and Jonah’s mother. How do the two women approach mental illness? What is Lord attempting to convey to the reader with these different depictions?