The Next Great Paulie Fink

Investigate the use of minor characters in the novel. How do characters like Lydia and Sam contribute to the overarching narrative, and what insights do they provide into the main characters?

Explore the relationship between identity and self-perception in the novel. How do characters like Paulie and Gabby grapple with their own identities, and what impact does this have on their interactions with others?

Examine the role of education in the story. How does the Mitchell School competition challenge educational norms, and what commentary does it offer on the current educational system?

Discuss the novel’s use of a first-person narrative. How does experiencing the story from Caitlyn’s perspective shape the reader’s understanding of the events and characters?

Discuss the significance of the references to ancient Greece and Shakespeare in the novel. How do these allusions enrich the narrative?

Investigate the evolving rules of the Mitchell School competition. How do these rules function as a motif, and how do they contribute to the characters’ development?

Examine the role of Megastar in Gabby’s character development and its impact on the broader narrative. How does Gabby’s obsession with this show influence her beliefs and actions? What commentary does the show offer on contemporary life?

Delve into the philosophy of holism and the value of community in the novel. How does the concept of community contribute to the characters’ growth and the resolution of conflicts?