Family might be non-traditional in The First Part Last, but that doesn't mean there isn't love, protection, and responsibility from it throughout the story. Bobby's parents clearly love him, and even though they are disappointed with his pending fatherhood, this doesn't stop them from supporting his decision to raise Feather on his own, especially after what happens to Nia. We also get snapshots of Nia's parents and, of course, ultimately this book is about Bobby and Feather becoming a family of their own. It's all about the relatives in this book.
Questions About Family
- Why does Mary not help take responsibility for Feather, and is this the right decision or not?
- Should Bobby have kept Feather? Why or why not?
- At what point do Bobby and Feather become their own family in the story?
- Are Mary and Fred good parents? Why or why not? What about the Wilkins?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Bobby is a good father to Feather because his heart is in the right place.
Bobby's heart may be in the right place, but he's just too young to actually be a good parent to Feather.