Dog Ear

I recently held an open forum book discussion on Terry Trueman’s Stuck in Neutral. Here is a discussion guide, my notes, and some tips:

1
Who has the strongest relationship with Shawn? Discuss the difference relationships between Shawn and his: mother, father, brother and sister.

2
Discuss the ending… How did it leave you feeling? What do you think happened next? Whether Shawn lives or is murdered by his father, does Shawn care? How do you think the rest of the family will react to whatever happens when they return from Paul’s basketball tournament?

3
Do you think Shawn is better off alive or dead? Shawn is the narrator of this novel. What is his tone? Does he seem happy, bitter, resentful, cruel, loving?

4
Discuss the differences between the way Paul handles his frustrations and Cindy’s actions. Why is Paul so violent? see pages 88-93. Why do you think Cindy went on the Alice Ponds Show? How is his loss of control similar/different from Shawn’s loss of control? Imagine having a brother as dependent as Shawn. How would that daily burden make you feel?

5
Discuss the ethics of mercy killing. Do you think Earl Detraux deserved his punishment?

6
Discuss the use of Labels in this book. What are some labels given to Shawn? see page 25. Why do people use labels and how do they effect the people who are labeled? Can you give examples of labels in your school?

7
Why do people pick on people like Shawn?

Tip
Play the audiobook while reading this novel to help those for whom this reading level is advanced.

8
Shawn’s father abandoned him and his siblings. What convinces you that he actually loves Shawn? That his mercy killing would be for love of his son?