For Your Consideration:

"Thefts"

"The brave writers whose work is represented in this volume have acted in good faith, faced their demons, stayed the course, and revised relentlessly. And in taking on the subject of themselves—making themselves vulnerable to the unseen reader—they have exchanged powerlessness for the power that comes with self-awareness."--Wally Lamb

These powerful stories, testaments, hit us on all levels: we can't escape the power of their story, Let's reflect on anything and everything that comes to us as a result of reading them, INCLUDING the art of writing them.

1. Wally Lamb begins his introduction explaining what goes on in editing, quoting different authors on the art of writing, and lists several techniques the authors in this book may have used. Are you familiar with any of these Writing Techniques? Let's keep an eye out for particularly good examples of the writer's craft.

2. What does the title "Thefts" refer to?

Is there more than one kind of THEFT in this story?

3. The story begins with Carolyn in her office and the resultant horrific ride into incarceration seen through her shocked and astonished eyes.

How does this technique enhance the experience for the reader?

Were you shocked at the brutality of the prison guard?

Is it your opinion that this type of dehumanization helps or hurts in a system of rehabilitation?

4. What do the subtitles in the book signify, such as : "A Right to Speak," (Horselover)

5. Why is some of the text italicized?

6. How can we stop this pattern in people's lives? Do we need a better economic system? Capitalism seems to make things worse for all but the rich. There must be other ways to run a country. Obviously economics do not "trickle down".-- Hairy (Linda)

7. We are sometimes limited in the choices we can make. But sometimes is there really a choice?" Hairy (Linda)

8. "In the mirror I study my face. It's an ordinary face, not just different from most twelve-and thirteen-year-old gifls. Why do I feel so old?" (Page 88).

How would you answer that question? What does the inclusion of this searing episode in Carolyn's life do to your understanding of her situation?

Were you moved by The Wish Book: "So many pretty things dazzle me . I cut out a perfect Mommy and Daddy and find their children, a blond boy with a crew cut and a pretty, dark-haired girl with a Tonette permanent…" (page 82).

9. How do these two moving scenes from the book contrast with the opening of the story?

10. Can you tell where the "seques" that Wally Lamb spoke of, occur?

11. If this were YOUR story where would you have started it?

12. Why do you think Carolyn began the story in her office?

13. "In fiction, a dramatic scene usually has characters, dialogue, description, action, and reaction. Interior monologue (what the narrator may be thinking in the midst of all this) is often a part of the mix, also. Exposition occurs when the narrator takes a step back from the scene to offer explanation, background info, "back story," etc. Exposition is sort of like the glue that holds the scenes together and allows the story to progress. "--Wally Lamb

Can you find examples of expositin and interior monologue in "Thefts?"