1. Growing up in small-town Coalton, Kansas, gives Mike, the main character in this story, a distinct sense of place. How would you describe your sense of place in the world?
2. Discuss the differences between growing up gay in a small town versus an urban setting. What might make it challenging no matter where you live?
3. What roles do your family and community play when you’re finding or creating your own identity?
4. How do Mike and Jamie deal with their homosexuality differently? How do they comfort and support each other?
5. Why do you think Mike falls so hard for Xanadu?
6. Do you think Xanadu “played” Mike? Why or why not?
7. Do you see Mike’s brother, Darryl, as a heroic figure? Why or why not?
8. How did Mike’s relationship with her father guide her life? Did his death change her view of him?
9. Who gained the most in this story? Who lost the most?
10. What do you predict for Mike’s future? What do you hope for her? What about Jamie? Xanadu?