Counting by 7s

Willow sometimes mentions certain Vietnamese phrases that she, Pattie, or Mai use in conversation. What is significant about the moments in which they speak Vietnamese? What role does language play in the development of Willow's relationship with the Nguyens?

Willow is “highly gifted,” and it is clear that she is an eager learner and a keen observer. How do other characters exhibit their intelligence or skills?

Willow believes that her gardens provide her with perspective on her own life, and throughout the novel, she compares herself to different plants. How do these comparisons change with her evolving situation?

There are several “lucky” symbols that appear throughout the story. Which characters believe in them, and what events lead the characters to believe that the symbols are working (or not)?

Dell Duke's “System of the Strange” evolves throughout the story. What does it ultimately teach him about labeling people? How does this lesson compare with Willow's thoughts on labels?

The story is either told from Willow's perspective or a third person omniscient narrator. What effect does the frequent shift in narration achieve? Why might Willow be the only character whose point of view is shared with readers?

Willow leaves her first session with Dell believing that “he somehow needed [her]” (55). In what ways do Willow and Dell need each other? How does their relationship change over the course of the book?

Toward the end of the book, Willow reflects on the “connectedness” of everything, and how “one thing leads to another,” “often in unexpected ways” (307). Given that her last name is Chance, how is the theme of fate or chance presented throughout the story from various characters' perspectives? How do their responses to these fateful events differ?