On page 47, many questions run through Ray’s mind. Explain what these two questions mean.
a. “Did the cancer get him or did the old man just crank up the morphine?”
b. “Was this staged for his son?”
2. Why doesn’t Ray call the funeral home right away?
3. What does Ray find in boxes in the old cabinet?
4. What does Ray do with the boxes? Why?
5. How was Ray’s reaction to his father’s death different than Forrest’s?
6. What is the significance of Forrest saying, “I need a drink” on p. 54?
7. Why doesn’t Ray tell Forrest about what he found?
Chapter 7
1. What is a “wake”? Give two reasons for Ray’s not wanting to have a wake at Maple Run.
2. Explain, “They both digested the gravity of this” (64).
3. Why won’t Ellie come to the funeral?
4. What assets did the Judge list in his will for his sons to split? About how much are his listed assets
worth?
5. Who is Harry Rex Vonner? What connection does he have to the Atlee family?
6. What do they decide to do for the Judge’s wake
