If this novel were written today, rather than in 2004, what cultural practices, technologies, and social norms would be different? Do you think that the plot of the story would need to change if it were set today?

Why do you think that the author chose to divide the story into three parts? What is the effect of the third part’s being so short?

Celebrity culture and mass media impact the perspectives of many characters in this novel. Choose one character, and describe how they are or are not impacted by the expectations created by popular media.