Who Said What
"I believe I was preserved, through those twelve airless minutes, in order to be a witness, and as a witness, let me say that a miracle is no cute thing but more like the swing of a sword."
Reuben Land
(Page 4)
How do Sunny Sundown and Valdez relate to the plot?
They parallel the family's own adventures and foreshadow what was coming next.
What major event dramatically changed the Land family's life?
Davy Land murdered Israel Finch and Tommy Basca in their own home.
(Page 50)
Who is the main character (protagonist)?
Reuben Land
"Don't say it's all right, Rube, don't say it. I meant to do it. I meant to. You hear me?"
Davy Land
(Page 51)
What might hunting symbolize in the book? What does it mean to Reuben and Swede?
Hunting resembles maturity and growth as shooting a goose for the first time gave Rueben a great sense of accomplishment and Swede told him he was growing up to be like their older brother.
(Pages 13, 15)
How did Davy break out of jail?
He tricked the guard into entering his jail cell, knocked him out, and took his keys and ran.
(Page 97)
How many siblings does Reuben have? What are their names?
2 siblings- Swede and Davy
"How many times does a dog have to bite before you put him down?"
Davy Land
(Page 36)
Why might it be so hard for Swede to kill off Valdez?
Valdez resembles the events going on in her life. She knows that it cannot be that easy to just get rid of the bad in her world. The process and hardships of killing Valdez symbolize her battle of pushing away the negative in her own life.
(Page 101)
Why did Jeremiah Land get fired, what led to that moment? What was his response?
There were complaints that he was mumbling and talking to himself while cleaning in the basement. He was knocked down in public, specifically in the church. In response, he healed Mr. Holgren from the boils on his face.
(Page 79)
What is unique about Reuben, what makes him different and affects the way he views life?
Reuben struggles with breathing and actually has to think about breathing to actually live and survive. He cherishes life and the little miracles.
(Page 20)
"Good. Let's say the defending nation is also the weaker; however, it has good allies."
Jeremiah Land
(Page 22)
How is God like a river? How does the title connect to the story so far?
God's presence flows naturally like a river. He shows up and provides miracles when he feels like it is right. The story so far is about the natural flow of events and how little things can make a huge impact.
What events took place, adding up to the "elevation" of the situation.
1. Jeremiah Land caught Israel Finch and Tommy Basca in the girls' locker room
2. Finch and Basca threatened the family and dumped roofing tar on their door
3. Finch and Basca kidnapped Swede then returned her
4. Davy broke the windows and lights of the bullys' car
5. They broke into the Land house
6. Davy shot them both
What is the cause of Jeremiah's strong faith in God?
He got picked up by a tornado and thrown around without being injured, a miracle in itself.
(Page 55)
"Once torched by truth, a little thing called faith is easy."
Swede Land
(Page 33)
What are the most prominent themes/topics shown so far in the book?
Possible answers:
1. Youth vs. Adulthood
2. Religion
3. Fiction, Reality, and the American West
4. Loyalty and Family
5. Justice and Consequences
According to Rueben, in order, what were Jeremiah Land's (dad) first three miracles?
1. Reuben's survival when he was born
2. Reuben didn't have brain damage
3. Reuben somehow shot the goose on their hunting trip
(Page 5)
You can't have a miracle, according to Rueben, without a(n) _______. What does this tell you about Rueben?
Witness
(Page 3)
Rueben believes that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and truths. Here are the facts, choose what you want to see.