Mim uses her mom’s favorite lipstick as her self-described “war paint.” Describe the significance of this war paint. What does is symbolize? 

Mim says that “detours are not without purpose. They provide safe passage to a destination, avoiding pitfalls in the process” (131). What detours happened on Mim’s journey? How do they help her prevent pitfalls?

How does Mim use her imagination to escape reality? What are the implications of this escapism?