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The Long March Home Reading Group Guide &
Discussion Questions
Special thanks to Revell for providing these questions; download a printable [pdf] version here.
- Before reading this book, how much did you know about the Pacific theater of
World War II, and specifically the battles in the Philippines and for Bataan?
- The story centers around four best friends: Jimmy, Claire, Billy, and Hank. How
would you describe the personality of each character? Who do you identify with
most?
- How does Jimmy, Claire, Billy, and Hank’s friendship as children differ from their
friendship as young adults? Do their adventures remind you of any favorite times
with friends during your childhood?
- Discuss the intricate relationship between Jimmy and Claire. As boyfriend and
girlfriend, what works between them? What doesn’t?
- Describe Jimmy’s relationship with his mother and father. How does Jimmy’s
father embody—or not—the values he teaches in his role as pastor?
- Do you think Claire is justified in breaking up with Jimmy? Discuss her choice to
let him go—and Jimmy’s efforts to win her back.
- What surprised you most about war in the Philippines and the battle for Bataan
—or about the Allied surrender of 1942?
- At the start of their incarceration at Camp O’Donnell, Jimmy is put on the grisly
work detail of burying dead bodies. He is saved by the gift of soap and fresh water
from his friends. What do you believe to be the symbolism in this scene?
- Hank and Jimmy are sent on a mission by the Crate during which time Jimmy,
who prides himself on always doing what’s right, is faced with a decision in which
right and wrong aren’t easily discernible. Would you take an innocent life to save a
friend? When was the last time you faced a “gray” decision—and what did you do?
- Female guerilla commander Felipa Culala existed in real life. What did you
admire—or not—about her, and what would you be curious to learn more about as
it relates to her life?
- Before the mayor’s time is up, he asks to see a priest so he can confess. The
priest offers to hear Jimmy’s confession, but Jimmy refuses. Why might someone
like Jimmy, with his faith so affected by his father’s religion, refuse the concept of
grace?
- While the boys endure the hell of Bataan, Claire goes through her own difficult
time at home. What might it have been like in that era to be unwed and pregnant?
- Chapter 41 is one of the most unique in the book in that it contains only one
sentence. What does this chapter mean to the story overall, and what was your
reaction when you read it?
- The identity of the one-armed, broom-sweeping medic is revealed late in the
book. How is this version of Hank different from the one you described in questions
2 and 3?
- Discuss the changes in Jimmy, his mother, and his father after Jimmy returns from
war. How does Jimmy eventually find grace/redemption—or does he? In what
ways has he changed the most?
- How does the friendship of these four friends come full circle by the book’s
end?
Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee have also provided an epilouge to the story; download a printable [pdf] version here.
Book a Speaker
Contact Tosca Lee to speak at your book club or library through her website contact form.
Virtual/Zoom sessions have the opportunity to include Marcus Brotherton
as well.
One Book One Nebraska Evaluations and Book Review
Program Leaders: Please complete a short evaluation of your program and have the direct members of your group complete a participant evaluation.
Your valuable feedback helps to improve the One Book One Nebraska program for future years!
Please return this completed evaluation and completed participant evaluations to:
One Book One Nebraska; Nebraska Library Commission;
1200 N Street, Ste. 120; Lincoln, NE 68508-2023
Or send in the completed leader and participant evaluations via e-mail.
Related Events
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