Characters
Who is Joey Margolis?
Joey is the story's protagonist who is a Jewish boy growing up in Brooklyn during the 1940's struggling to find balance in his life after his father's abandonment.
What impact does the era of the 1940's have on the novel?
The 1940's is an era where World War 2 was occurring, which has a massive impact on Charlie and his story, especially with him enlisting in WW2 and eventually dying.
What is the difficulty of building trust and how does it compare to Joey's and Charlie's relationship?
Early in their friendship, Charlie's initial dislike of Joey highlights this them which evolves as he gets to know him more and his struggles and their bond deepens.
What is the Great Depression and its context in the Novel?
The story takes place after the Great Depression, difficult time for many families in the United States and it has a profound impact on the characters lives.
Who is Charlie Banks?
Charlie Banks is a professional baseball player for the New York Giants, and is pulled into Joey's life and becomes his mentor and friend, leaving a lasting impact on Joey.
What is a nuisance?
Joey begins his relationship with Charlie by sending constant letters, often lying or exaggerating, causing Charlie to initially view him this way.
What is the need for connection?
This theme explores Joey's need for connection and love, driving his persistence in reaching out to Charlie, despite initial rejection.
What is the bombing of Pearl Harbor and how is it mentioned in the story?
The U.S. enters World War 2 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, a significant historical event mentioned in the book.
Who is Craig Nakamura?
He is Joey's best friend and helps him conjure up elaborate ways to reach out to Charlie.
What is the significance of Franklin Roosevelt in the novel?
In Joey's letters, Joey pretends to be Roosevelt, writing letters full of wild claims in an attempt to get Charlie's attention.
How is the theme of loneliness used in the book?
Joey uses his letters as an outlet to deal with his ongoing personal struggle of feeling overlooked by the adults in his life and in attempt of getting attention from someone else.
What is Major League Baseball and its relation to the Novel?
Charlie Banks plays for the New York Giants, a team in Major League Baseball.
Who is Hazel McKay?
Hazel McKay is Charlie's fiancee. She is a Broadway actress who cares deeply for Joey and becomes like a aunt to him or even a second mother.
What is the significance of Charlie attending Joey's bar mitzvah?
It acts as a major turning point in the Novel and this is where Charlie begins to see Joey in a new light and their father-son relationship begins to develop.
What is the effect of World War ll and how does it play into the theme of loss?
This major global conflict deeply impacts the lives of the characters, especially Charlie, whose enlistment and death in the war leaves a lasting emotional mark on Joey, and plays into the theme of loss, first his real father, now his father figure.
What is the significance of Jewish Americans in the Novel.
The novel highlights the challenges faced by Jewish Americans during the 1940's through Joey's perspective, such as discrimination and bullying.
Who is Ms Dawidowicz?
Ms Dawidowicz is Joey's teacher, who recognizes his potential as a write and pushes him to develop his skills.
What is Joey's relationship with his family and how does it lead to his future dynamic with Charlie?
Joey's strained relationship with his family, particularly his father's abandonment and his mother's emotional detachment leaves him longing for a father figure. This need for attention and validation is what develops his bond between him and Charlie.
What is an epistolary format, and how does it effect the storytelling and theme of the novel?
This storytelling format, told through specifically letters, creates and intimate connection with the characters and highlights themes of communication and longing.
What is the Empire State Building and it's connection to Joey's character.
Joey frequently references this famous New York City landmark in his letters, showcasing his connection to his hometown.