All the Broken Pieces

In your opinion, why did Ann E. Burg choose to write All the Broken Pieces in a free verse style? How does the verse format contribute to the story Burg tells, and what might have been lost by condensing the story into verse? Do you believe the author chose the best possible form for her story?

In the opening pages of the novel, Matt thinks that if he is safe, “How can I / be home?” (12). Why does Matt believe that safety and home are not compatible? How does Matt’s childhood in Vietnam affect his ability to adapt to life in America, and how does he attempt to find a secure place in his new country as the novel continues?

Matt says that his Vietnam is “only / a pocketful / of broken pieces / I carry / inside me” (23). Describe Matt’s perspective of Vietnam and how it is revealed throughout the novel. How does Matt’s experience of Vietnam compare to those of other characters in the novel? Does Matt’s view of his home country change throughout the novel, and if so, how?