Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- If you were Herzog's therapist, what advice would you give him? Why?
- What role do you think Herzog's sexual assault as a youngster plays in his adult life? Does it even have a role?
- What kind of father was Herzog's dad? How did he influence Herzog's personality?
- Do you think Ramona would make a good third wife for Herzog? Why or why not?
- How biased is Herzog when he talks about Madeleine and his divorce? How do we separate the facts from Herzog's perspective?
- Do you think Herzog flaunts his education too much? Why or why not?
- Why does Herzog write a bunch of letters that he has no intention of ever sending? What do we make of the fact that he writes fewer letters as the book goes on?
- Why did Herzog buy a crummy old house in the Berkshires? What does this house come to symbolize for Herzog over time?
- When does Herzog hit "rock bottom" in this book, or what is his lowest point?
- Why does Herzog shrink away from Ramona? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.