Plot
Where does the story take place?
In a coffee shop
What are Frosty and Stormy's real names? Who is the older one?
Alan and Joey
Who wrote the novel?
Terry Trueman
How many hostages do the robbers keep when they set the rest free?
one
Who are Dirtbag and Rat and why is Zach afraid of them?
voices Zach hears telling him to kill himself
Zach's point of view
Why does Zach volunteer to stay in the coffee shop?
wants a maple bar, puts down the phone at the wrong moment
What do the robbers expect the police to do if they let the hostages go?
sign an agreement to be tried as juveniles
What is the name of Zach's illness? Name three symptoms.
schizophrenia
Hearing voices
difficulty in understanding subtle things like humor or irony
telling the difference between reality and what he imagines
false prioritizing
Why is Zach suddenly holding the gun? What happens immediately before this?
Alan drops the gun after almost being shot and Zach picks it up out of curiosity
How does Zach behave during the robbery? What do the other hostages think about his behaviour?
doesn't realize he is in danger as his brain works differently; the others think he is retarded
How do most of the chapters start? There are four different types. Name them all.
Medical School Training Notes/ Transcript of recordings
Dr. Curtis' clinical notes
letters from Dr. Curtis to Zach's mum
letters from Zach's mum to Dr. Curtis
In which situation does Zach say 'I'm sorry' and what does it mean for him?
when he realizes that his behavior is 'inappropriate'
What role does Dr. Curt play in the novel?
mediator during the robbery; Zach = friend who always helps him and who he trusts; mum = medical expert
Why do you think the author includes the excerpts of letters between Dr. Curtis and mum?
background information about Zach's illness and the events before the robbery