1. Oftentimes in literature it is said that the length of a section has a lot to do with how important the author finds the subject material. Why do you think the author chose to include such a lengthy section justifying the eating of Twix candy bars as a breakfast?
2. In a book filled with symbolism, what are some possible explanations for the recurring appearance of really old bananas that should not have been purchased in the first place?
3. What, if anything, is this book trying to say about the American Dream vis-a-vis the author’s difficult experiences at the cell phone store?
4. Throughout the book, questions of identity are repeatedly brought up. From the author’s identity as a boy to that of an older boy to that of an older boy in somewhat of a man’s body. How gross was that shit, huh?
5. There are numerous Biblical quotes and references throughout(?)
6. Many readers feel that this book is a putting together of two different books: a humorous memoir and a story of young heartbreak. Would you say that these two things are “melded” together or “welded” together? Is meld even a thing?
7. Though the book didn’t gain much popularity during the author’s life, he always assumed it would be appreciated after his death. Does this justify the author’s wearing only open bath robes and discarded Halloween costumes during the last decade of his life? Should artists be allowed to do “whatever the damnfuck” they want?
8. The dreams described in this book are chock-full of haunting imagery. If you had a dream like the author, one in which you inadvertently found yourself in the group the Wu-Tang Clan and had to rap without having any idea how, do you think you would react similarly to the author, or would there be less hysterical weeping?
9. Some people might say that the author’s hometown is a character of sorts, in the book. The author has said this himself. Do you think he’s saying that because he believes it, or just to be an ass?
10. Were you disappointed by the lack of jetpacks despite the fact that (though not yet written) the title and cover art almost certainly refer to jetpacks in a very overt manner?