Characters
Who is Jazz’s closest emotional support throughout Blood of My Blood?
Connie
What is the primary mystery that Jazz is trying to solve in Blood of My Blood?
The mystery of who is behind a series of murders that seem to be connected to his family.
Which theme in Blood of My Blood explores the struggle between a person’s past and their future?
The theme of identity and whether we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our parents.
What does the title Blood of My Blood refer to?
It refers to the deep connection between Jazz and his father, Billy Dent, as well as the inherited traits, including violent tendencies, that Jazz fears he has inherited.
What point of view is Blood of My Blood written from?
The novel is written in the first-person point of view, from Jazz's perspective.
Who is Jazz’s father, the notorious serial killer?
Billy Dent
What internal conflict does Jazz face as the story unfolds?
Jazz fears he is becoming like his father, a notorious serial killer.
What theme is explored through Jazz’s fear of following in his father’s footsteps?
The theme of free will vs. destiny—whether we can choose our path or if we're doomed by our inheritance.
What does blood symbolize in Blood of My Blood?
Blood symbolizes family connections, inherited traits, and the emotional and physical legacy passed down through generations.
How does Barry Lyga create suspense in Blood of My Blood?
Lyga uses cliffhangers and short, tense chapters to keep the reader on edge and unsure of what will happen next.
Which character is Jazz’s half-brother, who plays a key role in the story?
Howie
What is the shocking twist about Jazz’s family history revealed in the book?
Jazz discovers that his mother had a crucial, hidden role in his father's crimes.
Which theme addresses Jazz’s complex relationship with his family?
The theme of family ties—the idea that family is both a source of strength and a potential trap.
How does the motif of blood appear in the way Jazz sees himself?
Jazz is constantly haunted by the idea that he shares his father’s violent nature and that blood ties bind him to that darkness.
What technique does Lyga use to reveal Jazz’s inner struggles?
Lyga uses internal monologue to show Jazz’s constant battle with his fears and the legacy of his father.
Which character helps Jazz investigate the mysterious murders that tie into his past?
Detective G. William "G.W." Smith
What does Jazz discover about his relationship with his half-brother, Howie?
They have a complicated relationship, and Howie’s presence helps Jazz realize that family dynamics are more complicated than he thought.
What theme in Blood of My Blood deals with personal responsibility and accountability?
The theme of moral responsibility—whether Jazz is accountable for his actions, even if his father shaped his early life.
What role does the symbol of the “family tree” play in the novel?
The family tree represents Jazz’s struggle with his heritage—whether he can break free from the violent legacy passed down by his father.
How does Barry Lyga characterize Jazz's relationship with the truth throughout the book?
Lyga uses flashbacks and fragmented storytelling to reveal how Jazz's understanding of truth changes as he uncovers his family's dark secrets.
Who is the FBI agent who becomes involved with the case and works alongside Jazz and the others?
Agent Charlie Poe
How does the book end in terms of Jazz’s battle with his past and his family?
The book ends with Jazz coming to terms with his fears of becoming like his father, but still grappling with his dark inheritance.
Themes
Themes – 100
Q: Which theme in Blood of My Blood explores the struggle between a person’s past and their future?
A: The theme of identity and whether we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our parents.
Themes – 200
Q: What theme is explored through Jazz’s fear of following in his father’s footsteps?
A: The theme of free will vs. destiny—whether we can choose our path or if we're doomed by our inheritance.
Themes – 300
Q: Which theme addresses Jazz’s complex relationship with his family?
A: The theme of family ties—the idea that family is both a source of strength and a potential trap.
Themes – 400
Q: What theme in Blood of My Blood deals with personal responsibility and accountability?
A: The theme of moral responsibility—whether Jazz is accountable for his actions, even if his father shaped his early life.
Themes – 500
Q: How does Blood of My Blood explore the theme of psychological trauma?
A: The book looks at how trauma, especially from childhood and family relationships, can shape a person’s future choices and actions.
Symbols & Title
Symbols & Title – 100
Q: What does the title Blood of My Blood refer to?
A: It refers to the deep connection between Jazz and his father, Billy Dent, as well as the inherited traits, including violent tendencies, that Jazz fears he has inherited.
Symbols & Title – 200
Q: What does blood symbolize in Blood of My Blood?
A: Blood symbolizes family connections, inherited traits, and the emotional and physical legacy passed down through generations.
Symbols & Title – 300
Q: How does the motif of blood appear in the way Jazz sees himself?
A: Jazz is constantly haunted by the idea that he shares his father’s violent nature and that blood ties bind him to that darkness.
Symbols & Title – 400
Q: What role does the symbol of the “family tree” play in the novel?
A: The family tree represents Jazz’s struggle with his heritage—whether he can break free from the violent legacy passed down by his father.
Symbols & Title – 500
Q: How is the concept of “inheritance” symbolized in the book?
A: Inheritance is symbolized not just by blood, but by the passing down of both physical traits and psychological patterns, including violence and fear.
Author's Craft
Author's Craft – 100
Q: What point of view is Blood of My Blood written from?
A: The novel is written in the first-person point of view, from Jazz's perspective.
Author's Craft – 200
Q: How does Barry Lyga create suspense in Blood of My Blood?
A: Lyga uses cliffhangers and short, tense chapters to keep the reader on edge and unsure of what will happen next.
Author's Craft – 300
Q: What technique does Lyga use to reveal Jazz’s inner struggles?
A: Lyga uses internal monologue to show Jazz’s constant battle with his fears and the legacy of his father.
Author's Craft – 400
Q: How does Barry Lyga characterize Jazz's relationship with the truth throughout the book?
A: Lyga uses flashbacks and fragmented storytelling to reveal how Jazz's understanding of truth changes as he uncovers his family's dark secrets.
Author's Craft – 500
Q: How does Lyga use pacing to maintain tension in the novel?
A: Lyga uses quick shifts between intense action scenes and slower, more reflective moments to keep the pacing fast and the tension high.
These questions should provide a well-rounded challenge for any Blood of My Blood fan, covering characters, plot details, themes, symbolism, and Lyga's craft! Feel free to adjust or add more questions if you need. Would you like help with anything else related to the game?
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How does Blood of My Blood explore the theme of psychological trauma?
The book looks at how trauma, especially from childhood and family relationships, can shape a person’s future choices and actions.
How is the concept of “inheritance” symbolized in the book?
Inheritance is symbolized not just by blood, but by the passing down of both physical traits and psychological patterns, including violence and fear.
How does Lyga use pacing to maintain tension in the novel?
Lyga uses quick shifts between intense action scenes and slower, more reflective moments to keep the pacing fast and the tension high.