The First Stone

Novel Study Questions

Chapter 11) The first chapter of a novel

should catch the reader’s interest as well as introduce the main character and conflict. Does the first chapter of The First Stone succeed in doing all three? Give examples to illustrate your comments.

2) Comment on Reef’s relationship with his friends, Bigger and Jink. How important are they to him? Explain.

3) What does “The Pit” symbolize to Bigger, Jink and Reef?

Chapter 14) What do you think Reef was referring to, when he

said: “…the sudden transformation from shock to stormy outrage that left you weak and hallow inside…”? (see page 3)

5) Why do you think Reef kept the rock he had not thrown off the Everett Street overpass?

6) Explain how Stan Eisner received the nickname Jink. (see page 14)

7) Write a physical description for Reef or Jink. (see pages 10 to 12)

8) What affect does humour add to the telling of the story in the first chapter? Give examples to illustrate your point. (look at pages 7-10 in particular)

Chapter 2 9) Why do you think Leeza has such a calming influence on Mr.

Harris?

10) In talking to the nurse, Leeza suggests that Mr. Harris is lucky not to remember that his wife is gone. Would you agree with her comment? Why or why not? (see page 20)

11) Leeza indicates that she volunteers at Silver Meadows so that people do not feel helpless or trapped in a room. What are her other reasons for wanting to do her volunteer service in hospitals and senior citizens’ homes? (see pages 22 to 25)

12) Describe Leeza’s emotional well-being in the second chapter.

13) How does being behind the wheel help Leeza manage her pain? (see pages 22 to 25)

Chapter 3

14) Explain how Bigger, Jink and Reef match the stereotype given to many teens?

15) Don Aker writes, “The stone fit in the hollow of Reef’s palm, like a piece of a puzzle, an extension of his own hand.” What does this statement suggest about Reef’s character? Explain. (see pages 32)

16) Provide and explanation for why Reef loves rocks so much. Give an example from the text to support your answer. (see pages 32 to 33)

17) What did Nan mean when she told Reef that, “Just because they don’t fit with the others don’t make’em less important”? (see page 33 to 34)

18) How did Chad Kennedy receive the nickname Reef? (see page 34)

Chapter 3 19) What did Nan mean to Reef?

20) Why does Reef throw the rock off the Park Street overpass? Compare the act of throwing this rock with the act of throwing the pumpkins off the Everett Street overpass, which is described in the novel’s first page. In what way(s) are these acts similar/different? Explain. (see page 3 and page 34 to 35)

21) The novel’s first and second chapters introduce Reef and Leeza separately while the third chapter includes both of them. What is the effect of seeing them presented in this manner?

Chapter 422) What do you think accounts for

Reef’s lack of remorse in the courtroom? Explain. (see pages 36 to 39)

23) In your opinion, explain whether Hank Elliott’s advice for Reef to plead guilty is good advice. (see pages 43 to 44)

22) Describe Reef’s first encounter with Scar. (see pages 46 to 47)

23) It is often said, that opposites attract. How are Scar and Reef different? Explain.

24) How does the use of swear words add to the storylines and character understanding in the fourth chapter?

Chapter 527) Pretend that you are

a medical professional treating Leeza. Provide answers like the five Ws of a news story, so that Leeza can understand her situation. (see page 51 to 52 for comprehension)

28) Explain Diane Morrison’s frustration with the trial.

Chapter 6

29) What is discovered about Reef in the opening pages of the sixth chapter? (see pages 60 to 63)

30) Why does Reef find some comfort in knowing that Elizabeth, the accident victim, regained consciousness? (see page 62 to 63)

31) How would you feel if you were Leeza, as her eyes widened in horror as she gazed down at the ruin that was her body? Explain. (see pages 64 to 65)

32) How do you think Dr. Mahoney knew that Leeza wanted a mirror? Why did Leeza feel an urgency to see her face? Explain. (see page 67)

Chapter 7

33) What trouble does Jink get into? (see pages 72 to 74)

34) What do you think Reef means when he said that his whole life had been a “KEEP Out” sign? Explain. (see page 76)

35) Discuss your response to the judge’s ruling in Chapter 7. How do you feel about Reef’s reaction to this ruling? Explain.

36) Hank Elliott tells Reef that “…courage and kicking ass…” is not the same thing. What does he mean? What is he implying? (see page 81 and 82 for context)

Chapter 837) Discuss Jack Morrison’s

reluctance in sitting and visiting with Leeza in the medical facilities. (see pages 84 to 86)

38) Describe Leeza’s initial impressions of the rehab’s sixth floor. (see page 87)

39) What do you make of Brett Turner? Explain. (see pages 89 to 93)

40) Brett asked Leeza whether anyone died in the accident. Leeza’s reply was “Just me.” What does she mean by this statement? What does it suggest about her state of mind? Explain. (see page 93)

Chapter 9 41) Reef suggests that he would never want

his life to be so pathetic that he would end up driving a “shitbox” like the one Matheson had. How would you describe Reef’s current situation? Pathetic? Scary? Explain. (see pages 96 to 97)

42) Why is Reef so cool to Scar, leaving her to look like a wounded-deer? (see pages 97 to 98)

43) How is Reef being sent to North Hills kind of a gift? Explain. (see pages 103 to 104)

Chapter 944) Comment on the five rules, found in

Chapter 9, which Frank Colville requires the residents of North Hills to follow. Compare these with the rules by which Reef has lived his life since the death of his grandfather. (see pages 106 to 107 for the five rules)

45) We are introduced to Alex in the ninth chapter. What purpose do you think his character will serve in Reef’s rehabilitation? (see pages 107 to 109)

Chapter 10

46) Why is Leeza more preoccupied with the catheter then anything else? Explain. (see pages 110 to 111)

47) Why will Valerie Harris be important to Leeza’s recovery? Explain. (see pages 115 to 117)

Chapter 1148) Why does Reef feel like he

“…wandered into a freak show by mistake…”? Explain. (see pages 118 to 121)

49) Reef quickly formed impressions of the North Hills residents. How do you think they see Reef? Explain.

50) North Hills Group Home has been in operation long before Reef arrives. Why do you suppose Frank Colville assigns Reef – rather than another resident – the job of repairing the greenhouse? (see pages 124 to 125)

Chapter 1251) Why do you think Leeza chose

Skinner’s Cove as her safe place in the imaging exercise? (see pages 128 to 130)

52) Information was provided on Leeza’s biological father for the first time. What is revealed? How has the outcome affected Leeza? (see pages 136 to 138)

53) Diane, Leeza’s mom, was trying to protect Leeza by not telling her about the hearing’s outcome. What happened between them? (see pages 137 to 139)

Chapter 1354) What is the purpose of the family room

sharing sessions? Why does Reef refuse to participate in them openly and honestly?

55) Why does Reef think hope is a bad thing do you think? Explain. (see page 146)

56) Chapter 13 offers insight into Reef’s relationship with Scar. What would you say characterizes their relationship? Why?