The Greatest Man in Cedar Hole

The Greatest Man in Cedar Hole: A NovelBy Stephanie DoyonReading Group Discussion GuideDISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What are some of the notable features of small town life in Cedar Hole? How do Francis "Spud" Pinkham and Robert Cutler feel about their roles in their community? How do these sentiments connect to their feelings about neighboring towns like Palmdale?2. The opening of chapter two reads, "The history of Cedar Hole is peppered with halfhearted undertakings and misguided efforts..." Who is halfhearted? Who is misguided? In what way is Robert misguided as a child? As an adult? What about Francis?3. What explains the impressive size of the Pinkham family? Why, do you think, is Jackie and the other sister are so resentful of Francis? How does this interaction serve as a predictor of their adult relationships?4. Describe Spud's friendship with Mr. and Mrs. Mullen. What explains their mutual attraction? In what ways do the Mullens represent the family Francis has never had? How does he put that relationship in jeopardy, and what is ironic about this development?5. Why are institutions like the train station and the library neglected by the Cedar Hole community? Are the two activities they represent -- reading and transportation -- not important to members of this town, or is their physical decay symbolic of something else? What does Kitty's obsession with decay say about her?6. What is the Lawn Rodeo, and in what ways does it serve as the focus of social life in Cedar Hole? Describe the competition that Spud and Robert enter. Why is the winner of the competition a matter of opinion? Did you think the winner was deserving? Why or why not?7. Nadine, Bernadette, and Kitty each have a different interpretation of the meaning of the quote engraved on the desk. What are their interpretations? How does this affect how they relate to one another? What do you think Robert intended it to mean?8. What are some of the unspoken issues of social class in Cedar Hole? How do these matters of social status arise between Spud and his son, Marty, on their trip to the Rice Industries meeting? To what extent are Weldon Rice and his Rolls Royce responsible for making Cedar Hole's residents more self-conscious of their provincial ways?9. Is there something about the smallness of Cedar Hole and the lack of meaningful activity there that heightens the erotic longings of its residents? In your discussion, consider the liaisons of Delia Pratt and Harvey Comstock, the shotgun wedding of Anita Reynolds and Spud Pinkham, and the freezer encounter between Norm Higgins and Bernadette Cutler.10. How does the Pinkham family's success in their bottled water scheme affect their social standing in Cedar Hole? How does it alter their relationships with other family members? Why does Francis defend the spring shed from Jackie, knowing what he knows about Mr. Rice?11. Did you feel that Bernie's flirtation with Norm Higgins was a conscious effort to retaliate against Kitty? Was Kitty right or wrong in helping Nadine leave? Was Bernie's peace offering appropriate? What does Kitty's reaction say about her future?12.The Greatest Man in Cedar Holetakes place over the course of several decades. What does the younger generation (Nadine Cutler, Marty and Flynn Pinkham) have in common with its elders? Have they learned from any of their mistakes? Have they repeated any of them?13. Both Delia and Harvey have based their lives on delusions. What are Delia's? What are Harvey's? How does the accident bring them back to reality?14. Discuss the significance of the book's title. Who, in your opinion, is the greatest man in Cedar Hole?ENHANCE YOUR BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONInThe Greatest Man in Cedar Hole,the annual Lawn Rodeo serves as a friendly competition and an opportunity for the small town of Cedar Hole to gather and celebrate. What are some of the traditions and annuDoyon, Stephanie is the author of 'The Greatest Man in Cedar Hole' with ISBN 9780743271332 and ISBN 0743271335.