FOR READERS

Drop me a line, and I’ll be happy to Zoom into your book club! See below for book club discussion questions, but beware of spoilers!

Discussion Questions for Boy With Wings

1. In the end, does Johnny “believe”?

2. Why do you think the author chose the epigraph?

3. Contrast Sheila’s reaction to Johnny to Zorat’s. That of Elias? Mama Lo?

4. What does Warren mean when he says “Ain’t it always the father?”

5. Who do you think set the fire? Why?

6. How would you describe Tot’s character?

7. Clearly there are some elements of Johnny that are messianic. How is Johnny like Christ? How is he not?

8. Johnny tells Charlie he’s not an angel. What is he?

9. What do you make of McDonald, who works for Warren? What does his reaction to Warren’s death and the Governor’s humiliation, mean?

10. Why do you think the author named his character Johhny Cruel?