Questions for Discussion Guide for See You Down the Road
1. In the first few pages of the book Bridget explains how making the townies Hispanic would get Mrs. C “on her side.” What does she mean by this?
2. There are many paradoxes in the Traveler world. Come up with three examples from the book and explain why they are paradoxes.
3. Bridget differs from other characters in that she seems to be conflicted about some of the scams she is involved in. Find three instances where Bridget considers the victims in the crimes.
4. Jimmy and Patrick seem like opposites. First, consider their differences. Then, consider why they are still friends. What do they have in common?
5. When Bridget runs away she explains that she “felt like laughing and screaming at the same time. Screaming, ‘I’m free!’” What does she feel she’s free from? And why does she then get in the car with Jared?
6. Why do Douglas and Big Jim have such a contentious relationship?
7. Why does Jimmy tell Bridget not to talk about what happened with Jared?
8. Is it surprising that religion is important to Bridget’s family, even Big Jim? Explain why or why not.
9. When Bridget questions Patrick about why it is acceptable to swindle people like Todd and Lizzy Patrick explains that he just doesn’t think about it. Do you think he’s telling the truth? How do Travelers like Patrick justify their crimes to themselves? Do they have to?
10. Why is Bridget’s mother so concerned with Jimmy? Why does she always seem to be less concerned with Bridget?
11. In the end Jimmy says he feels he has to leave. Does he have to? What do you imagine would happen if he stayed?
12. Why did Bridget decide to stay in the end? What factors may have contributed to her decision? Was it the right decision?
13. What would you have done in Bridget’s situation? Would you have stayed or gone to Winnie’s?
14. Imagine if Bridget had left. What would her experience of Country life be? Would she fit in easily? What might be hard for her to get used to?
15. Describe a moral dilemma you have faced in your life and how you handled it. What was the outcome? If faced with the same situation again would you act differently? Explain why or why not.
16. As readers, can we sympathize with characters in the book, even though they are essentially criminals? Do you think the author intends us to sympathize with them? Why, or why not? What do you think the overall message is about the line of demarcation between good and bad, and right and wrong, in our society?
17. Whether or not you agreed with Bridget’s choice to stay, explore what you feel this ending means in the greater context of the book. What might it say about justice, family, and personal strength?
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