Chapter 12
1. Have you ever met people who were “infected” by a belief, either philosophical or religious? How was their belief contagious?
2. How can you fight being “infected” by the wrong beliefs?
3. “Sometimes the most helpful thing is helping someone else” (p. 86). In your experience, does this approach work? Give an example.
Chapter 13
1. When Matt says, “I’m home all the time,” his daughter, Zoey, responds, “It doesn’t seem like you’re home all the time” (p. 89). What do you think she means? How would you respond if a family member said this to you?
2. Why do you think Luther’s wife, Clarissa, called to warn Matt? Was Luther correct in thinking she did it “to get under his skin” (p. 90)?
Chapter 14
1. Luther reveals to Lara that he has been a werewolf his entire life. Does this surprise you? How does this affect your feelings about Luther’s condition?
2. What good news does Lara give Luther about his condition? How does she know this?
Chapter 15
1. How do you feel after reading Lara’s description of her ex-husband, Jake, and his treatment of her? What emotions do you feel toward Jake and toward Lara?
2. What were Jake’s last words? What would you want your last words to be?
3. What does Lara mean when she says, “Dead is easier than undead” (p. 102)? Do you agree with her?
Chapter 16
1. Lara tells Matt that she is still a vampire when she needs to be. Why does she say that? Does that mean she can never be completely cured?
2. Do you think there are certain conditions that are too serious to be treated with behavioral modification? If someone has a spiritual problem, can a psychologist be just as helpful as a pastor? How do you decide who is better equipped to help?
Chapter 17
1. Lara says that destroying the monster in her is “simple, but not easy” (p. 114). What does she mean? Do you think this is true?
2. How are vampires a “mockery of God” as Lara suggests (p. 114)?
3. Lara argues that the vampirism of selfishness is evident in industries that use cheap labor to sell goods to the rich. Do you agree with her? She also asks, “Who is the vampire? The manufacturer? The stores that sell the product? You, the consumer?” (p. 116). How would you answer that?
Chapter 18
1. Who does Clarissa leave their daughter with? Why does this anger Luther?
2. Why does Clarissa leave the gun with Luther?
3. What symbolism do you see in Matt’s dream?