Boy21

Throughout the novel, the roles and relevance of authority figures change. Pick three authority figures and discuss how and why their presence shifts as the narrative unfolds.

In literature, a bildungsroman is a coming-of-age novel, focusing on the growth—psychological or otherwise—of the main character. Does Boy21fall into this literary genre? Why or why not?

Why is this story told from Finley’s point of view? Would it be more compelling if it were, say, told from the point of view of either Erin or Russ? Why or why not?

The novel is divided into three sections: “Pre-season,”“The Season,” and “Erin.” Why does Quick choose to divide the book in this way? What do these distinctions reflect?

Erin, Russ, and Finley all have complicated family lives. What role does family play in the novel? 

Throughout the novel, the author makes many references to celebrities, including Eminem, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant. What do these figures symbolize?

In the book, Wes gets caught reading Harry Potter and Finley and Russ end up reading it with him. What parallels do you see between the characters in this book and those of the Harry Potter series?

Besides Erin, there are not many female characters in this book. Why do you think this is? Is this lack of female presence important to the nature of this novel? Why or why not?

Do you agree with Finley’s choice at the end of the novel to leave Bellmont behind and start a new life in New Hampshire with Erin? Why or why not?