Book discussion questions

• Will this book stand the test of time?

• Do any of the characters seem to be unique individuals, or are they all simply two-dimensional figures whose experiences serve only to convey the author's political message?

• What are some themes in the novel? How do they relate to the plot and characters?

• Did the novel seem believable?

• How did the book portray women? What is the role of women in the text? How are mothers represented? What about single/independent women?

• Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?

• Does the novel end the way you expected? How? Why

• What is the central/primary purpose of the novel? Is the purpose important or meaningful?

• In what ways does the author depict capitalism as destructive? Consider the characters’ personal lives and social interactions.

• After reading the book do you think the author succeeds in accomplishing what /she set out to do? Does s/he fail in certain sections or reveal a bias that strays from stated intentions?

• Would you recommend this novel to a friend? Thumbs up? Thumbs down?

• Pick a particular segment, chapter, or example that stands out to you once you are finished reading the book. Why did you pick it, and what is the author's larger point in including it? Is it particularly upsetting, graphic, informative, controversial, etc?

• Fast food chains and convenience foods, despite the myriad problems documented, have an undeniable appeal-they are convenient and offer inexpensive and tasty food. Even if you are disturbed by the practices of these corporations, could you realistically swear off your food, given its ubiquity and mainstream appeal? If you are driving home from work, tired and hungry, and your two choices are a familiar fast food restaurant or an unknown Mom-and-pop, which would you choose? What kinds of implications does this choice have?

• Since few people would confuse fast food with health food, who bears the greater responsibility for the alarming rate of obesity in children in the United States: the fast food chains that market "supersize" meals to children and the companies that make convenience food, or parents who are not educating their children about the benefits of a balanced diet? Can well-intentioned parents maintain control over the eating habits of their children in an era when school districts are contracting to bring fast food into the school cafeteria? On the other hand, do you view it as an impingement on civil liberties when organizations such as school districts, refuse to have vending machines on site in order to avoid presenting kids with unhealthy options?

• What is an example of what can happen when important matters of public policy are abandoned by government to the self interests of corporations?

• What do you think is the role of government when it comes to the food industry? How much oversight do you think there should be? Should the government refuse to allow some foods that are bad for health? What are your thoughts when you hear that European countries ban some of the food additives we allow? What might be some arguments AGAINST toughening national food safety laws to prevent e.coli or salmonella?

• If one accepts the author's assertions that the food corporations are engaging in patterns of unethical conduct, what can the consumer do to modify their behavior? Can the conduct of an individual have an impact on a company's practices? Why is a company most likely to change its conduct? To generate public goodwill? To respond to its employees' concerns? To address diminishing profits?

• Much of the book focuses upon aspects of the corporate world including marketing, labor practices, political ties, and the growth of specific industries. How do the points the author makes matter in your own life?