Where You Are (34 page)

1.
The title of the novel comes from the belief that teachers should meet students where they are. Discuss the title as it pertains to Andrew's interaction with his students and, in particular, with Robert.

2.
Why do you think Robert reaches out to Andrew as opposed to his own mother or Luke or Nic or any of his other friends? What do you think attracts Robert to Andrew? Andrew to Robert?

3.
Discuss the role of social networking in the novel, especially as it pertains to Andrew's homosexuality. Do you believe that teachers should be held to a different standard than other adults, that they should be
above reproach
in their personal as well as their professional lives? And if so, to what extent? How does that apply to their sexual orientation?

4.
At Sam Houston State University, Robert confesses to Andrew that he is anxious for his father's death: “I know he's my dad and all, but I feel like he's just this thing that sucks all the oxygen out of the room. Like the world has stopped spinning and it can't start again until he's gone.” Robert is worried that he is a bad person because he feels nothing for his dad. Do you believe this is true? Is there anything that suggests otherwise? How do you explain Robert's feelings toward his dad?

5.
The Texas law referenced in the novel imposes a penalty of up to twenty years in prison for a teacher convicted of having sex with a student, regardless of the student's age. The law is based on the belief that teachers have power over students, and that power undercuts the ability of students to freely give consent. Discuss this “power differential” and your feelings about a law that makes criminals out of consenting adults.

6.
Robert tells Andrew that in the Westfall family, if you're not a doctor, you're nothing. How does his belief play out in the Westfall family dynamics?

7.
Robert frequently texts song lyrics to Andrew, and occasionally Andrew texts song lyrics back. A playlist, which includes some of those songs, is included on the following pages. What role do these lyrics play in their relationship?

8.
There are a number of out gay students at Robert's school—Robert, Nic, Luke, the RW fan club. How realistic is this? In what ways does the school climate indicate that gay students are no big deal? Is this true for teachers as well? Explain. How does this compare to your own high school experience?

9.
Robert's mom believes that her husband resented her because of his dependence on her after his cancer diagnosis. In what ways did this resentment play out? Do you believe his resentment is a function of his immaturity, or do you believe dependency breeds resentment?

10.
Discuss Andrew's classroom management. Do you believe he is an effective classroom manager? Do you agree with his techniques? Do you believe he could have handled Stephen Newman better? If so, how?

11.
When Andrew was in school, he had a crush on an English teacher—Mr. Jacobson. How did his memory of this crush affect his relationship with Robert? How did his experience with Kevin, the lab assistant in college, influence the way he treated Robert? Are there similarities, differences?

12.
Discuss the consequences of Andrew's violation of the strict code of conduct regarding student-teacher relationships. Do you believe the consequences went too far or not far enough? Why?

13.
At one point, Maya accuses Andrew of being selfish. Do you agree with her? Why or why not?

14.
In J. H. Trumble's first novel,
Don't Let Me Go,
we get to see the characters ten years into the future. Where do you see Andrew and Robert in ten years?