Explain Why Eli Believes That Mom Is A Strong Woman And That Gentleness

1. Eli believes that Mom is a strong woman and that “gentleness” should not be confused with “weakness.” Is he right? What are Mom’s strengths and weaknesses?

A) Eli is right. In page 49 it states that even though his mother is gentle when she plays the cello, you can see her strength as if it shines through her music. On page 49 it also states that the mother is quiet and sensitive. Those can both be considered a strength and a weakness. On page 50 it says that her looks are a strength of hers.

2. On page 95, Lexie calls Mom “lucky” because she doesn’t have the same worries that most mothers do. To what extent is this true? Is this a fair statement?

A) Lexie is true to an extend. Her mother doesn't have to worry about a cheating husband, her children using drugs and alcohol. Although she has to worry if her kids have enough food to last them this whole 15 years,

On page 147 - 151 you see that Eddy will get them out. However if they get out how are they going to fit in with the world. Haven't seen a car, tree, soil in their lives that's absurd. Basic things that kids their age should know they don't. In my opinion kids should know about the bad things in the world to build them into the strong men and women they should be.

8. In this novel, nuclear war and unlimited resources both threaten the Yanakakis family. Compare and contrast these threats. Which do you think is more frightening?

A) Well nuclear war is very frightening knowing the impact that it has on the economy preparing for it and trying to be very conscious of it, but running out of unlimited resources is horrible. You don't have the basic resources to function such as water, wind, solar energy. If it came down to it the worst one would be nuclear war. Bombs and missiles just plowing onto a country is scary.

9. Several nations currently house nuclear weapons. What could be the consequences of harboring such weapons? Should countries be allowed to possess nuclear