The First Stone

Stones play a large role in the story, both symbolically and literally. What does the title, The First Stone, refer to? How is the first stone different to Reef than the stones that follow it?

Later in the novel, Reef tells a class that fear caused him more problems than anger. Why does he say that? What examples support this or argue against it?

What is the significance of the relationship between Alex and Reef? How does it evolve? How do each of them benefit from it?