Families stink. At least, that's how it seems in The Spectacular Now. Everyone's got a slob of a stepdad, an unloving mom, or a horrible sibling. And when Sutter tries to fix part of his family's past, driving out to meet his dad, things just get worse. That's why he severs ties with Aimee and abandons hope of a future. Why start a family when families just get torn apart? Families are about the future—and Sutter is all about the now.
Questions About Family
- If Geech were a great guy, would Sutter like him? Or is there no chance for him, since he's not Sutter's dad?
- What would have happened if Aimee had told someone about the incident with Randy's son?
- If Sutter's mom hadn't remarried, would Sutter be less bitter now?
- Are there any happy families in the book? What makes them happy, and why does Sutter feel like there no chance for him?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Bob couldn't fix any of Sutter's problems by adopting him.
If Sutter had never visited his dad, he would have moved in with Aimee as planned.