ILSA J. BICK is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar ... the Dark, Drowning
Instinct, and Ashes. Ilsa lives with her family and other furry creatures near a.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ILSA J. BICK is a child psychiatrist, as well as
a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former air force major, and award-winning author of short stories and novels, including the acclaimed Draw the Dark, Drowning Instinct, and Ashes. Ilsa lives with her family and other furry creatures near a Hebrew cemetery in rural Wisconsin. One thing she loves about the neighbors: they are very quiet and only come around for sugar once in a blue moon. Visit her online at www.ilsajbick.com.
The Sin-Eater’s Confession Ilsa J. Bick Hardcover: 978-0-7613-5687-5 List: $17.95 S&L: $13.46 eBook: 978-1-4677-0948-4 List: $12.95 S&L: $9.71 Ages: 14-18 Reading Level: Grade 7 Interest Level: Grades 9–12
About Carolrhoda Lab™ Carolrhoda Lab™ is dedicated to distinctive, provocative, boundary-pushing fiction for teens and their sympathizers. Carolrhoda Lab™ probes and examines the young-adult condition one novel at a time, affording YA authors and readers an opportunity to explore and experiment with thoughts, ideas, and paradigms in the human condition. Adolescence is an experience we share and a condition from which some of us never quite recover. All of us at Carolrhoda Lab™ are proud to proclaim our lifelong adolescence and our commitment to publishing exceptional fiction about the teenage experience.
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I L S A J. B I C K
Discussion Guide
TOPICS
People in Merit, Wisconsin, always said Jimmy was . . . you know. But people said all sorts of stupid stuff. Nobody really knew anything. Nobody really knew Jimmy. I guess you could say I knew Jimmy as well as anyone (which was not very well). I knew what scared him. And I knew he had dreams—even if I didn’t understand them. Even if he nearly ruined my life to pursue them. Jimmy’s dead now, and I definitely know that better than anyone. I know about blood and bone and how bodies decompose. I know about shadows and stones and hatchets. I know what a last cry for help sounds like. I know what blood looks like on my hands. What I don’t know is if I can trust my own eyes. I don’t know who threw the stone. Who swung the hatchet? Who are the shadows? What do I owe the dead?
FOR
DISCUSSION:
1.
Describe Ben and Jimmy’s relationship. How does Ben’s view of his relationship with Jimmy differ from Jimmy’s view of his relationship with Ben?
2.
Ben and Jimmy have complicated relationships with their parents. How do those relationships differ? How are they the same?
3.
How does Ben feel when he discovers the picture that Jimmy took? Would you feel differently if you were in Ben’s situation?
4.
Jimmy opened up to Ben about a lot of personal things. Why do you think he never talked to Ben about his sexuality?
5.
How does it make Ben feel when his mom asks if he’s gay?
6.
Why does Jimmy not stand up for Ben when Mr. Lange confronts Ben at school?
7.
Do you think Jimmy’s photographs and the rumors of him being gay would have been accepted in a different town or setting?
8.
What assumptions did people in Merit make after seeing Jimmy’s photos? Have you ever been in a situation where you jumped to conclusions?
9.
Why did Ben go back to Cuppa Joy to help Jimmy after he told him he never wanted to see him again? Would you have tried to help Jimmy?
10. Why did Ben run instead of trying to save Jimmy in the park? Would you have reacted differently? 11. When Ben finds Jimmy in the shelter, why doesn’t he tell someone or call the police? 12. The author makes several references to The Catcher in the Rye. What are some similarities between Holden Caulfield and Ben? 13. Ben tries to convince himself that he didn’t do anything wrong with regards to Jimmy’s death and that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Do you agree? 14. How is Ben a sin eater? Do you think confessing will make him feel better? 15. Ben never opened up to anyone about what he saw at the park. Why do you think he was so open with details when talking to Evie and her family? Did Ben jump to assumptions when he accused the family of killing Jimmy? 16. Why is it so important for Ben to believe that the model for “Black Hoodie” is a girl? What does it mean if Ben can’t tell if “Black Hoodie” is a girl or boy? 17. When Ben hits the deer, he starts referring to the animal as Jimmy. Why do you think he does this? 18. Why does Ben lie to his mom about getting into Yale? Or does he? Do you think he was accepted? 19. Why does Ben enlist in the Navy? Why do you think Sergeant Pfeiffer tried to convince him to go to college? 20. How do you think Ben felt about Jimmy? Did he love him? 21. Who do you think is responsible for Jimmy’s death? Was it a hate crime? 22. Do you think Ben mails his journal to Brooke or Agent Thorne? What do you think happens next?
