All the Numbers A Novel

1. In the interview with Bev Marshall, Judy Larsen discusses the use of symbolism in All the Numbers (page 276). Did you notice references to numbers in the book? Were they effective as symbols, in your opinion?2. Discuss some examples of effective symbolism in your favorite novels. When has an author successfully used symbols, and when have you felt an author's use of symbols was ineffective?3. One of the surprising moments in All the Numbers is Ellen's internal debate about organ donation. Were you surprised by her reaction when organ donation was suggested? Do you feel her reaction was realistic?4. In the interview with Bev Marshall, Judy and Bev discuss the ending of the book. Was the ending satisfactory to you?5. What constitutes a strong ending for a novel, in your opinion? Have you been disappointed by a novel's ending in the past? How much bearing did that have on your opinion of the novel as a whole?6. In the novel, Ellen is criticized for giving an interview to the media before the trial. Did you agree that she should have remained silent or did you feel the interview was appropriate? How inuential do you feel the media is in our justice system?7. Ellen clearly struggles with her romantic interest in Bob. Do you think she is unfair to him? Both Bob and Ellen recognize that they met because of James' death. Whose argument seems more convincing to youBob's or Ellen's?8. Who or what do you think is most responsible for Ellen's change of heart regarding Ben Buchanan? Her mother's words seem to fall on deaf ears throughout most of the bookdo they Finally get through to her or is it seeing Ben's mom or running into Melanie? Or something else?9. Does Ellen's position as a single mother make her more vulnerable? Does any of her anger with Ben Buchanan seem to get mixed up with her anger at Tim, her ex-husband?10. The lake house is First introduced as Ellen's "happiest place" and even the boys see it that way. Does that increase the horror of James' accident both for the reader and for Ellen? Do you think she would have the same desire for revenge if the accident had happened elsewhere?11. When the defense attorneys First throw accusations at Ellen, she is stunned and mad at Bob that he didn't see it coming. Did you have any sense that she would be blamed? Do you fault her or feel that she has to bear some of the responsibility?12. Ellen is very lucky to have good friends who have clearly sustained her over the years, and that continues with James' accident and death. What do you think their view of the trial is? Anna especially seems to stay out of the argumentdo you get any hints as to whether she agrees with Ellen's mother that Ellen is being too punitive or aggressive with Ben? Do you think she is?13. The relationship between Ellen and her son Daniel goes through some real changes. How do you imagine their relationship six months after the Final scene?14. How do you think Daniel would feel about Bob and Ellen dating? How did Ellen's grief affect her relationship with Daniel? What other factors were affecting their relationship?15. How did you feel about Ellen's treatment of Daniel after James' death?Larsen, Judy Merrill is the author of 'All the Numbers A Novel', published 2006 under ISBN 9780345485366 and ISBN 034548536X.