midwivesquestions.html Park Ridge Public Library -- Long For This Word Discussion Questions
Park Ridge Library Discussion Questions

LONG FOR THIS WORLD by Michael Byers

  1. What is the double meaning of the title?

  2. Henry is faced with the ethical question of treating William. Does he make the right choice? Is there a wrong choice?

  3. The novel is told from different viewpoints. Does this add to the story?

  4. How does the author contrast the Moss children with the Hickman children?

  5. Meeting the Moss family, they seem so ideal. Are they?

  6. Each of the Mosses has a secret. What are their secrets and why don't they share them with the other members of the family?

  7. Greed is a theme in the novel. How does greed affect the neighbors? The medical profession? Henry?

  8. Why is money so important to Ilse?

  9. Why is Ilse so unhappy?

  10. What influence does Ilse's mother have on Ilse?

  11. Why does the author include Saul's death? What is the impact of Saul's death?

  12. Describe Sandra. Why is she attracted to Thomas?

  13. Describe Darren. Why is he attracted to William?

  14. The author portrays Thomas as such a jerk. What is the cause of his problems (genetics? Lack of attention from his parents?)

  15. The story is set in 1999 during the boom in technology. Why does the author use this time period?

  16. There are some wonderful small moments in the novel such as when Ilse is riding through town on her Vespa. Is there a moment that you can recall fondly?

  17. This is a first novel. What are its pitfalls?

Questions created by Vivian Mortensen, Head of Reader Services at the Park Ridge Public Library.