Terry Kay | Author
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. From Terry Kay’s descriptions of his father in, "T.H. Kay, Proprietor" and "Reunion," can you see his father’s influence in Kay’s actions and opinions throughout the rest of the essay? How is Kay like his father and how do the men differ?
2. After reading the Family and Heritage section, why do you think writing about these topics is so important to Kay? Do you feel it helps you identify with him more closely as a person and an author? How do you think this background will help you later on?
3. How do you think the words of Kay’s father, "Do the best you can, son have stuck with Kay throughout his life?
4. Do you agree with Kay’s opinion of "Why Johnny(ie) Can’t Teach?" Do you think things have changed since the essay was written (1989)? For better or worse? Do you think things can change for the better within the boundaries of the system or would it take a massive overhaul? What qualities stand out about the teachers who made the biggest impact on you?
5. Kay take on athletes’ complaints about "fair-weather fans" in "The Days of Whine and Roses." Do you agree with Kay? Did he change your opinion? Can you compare similar complaints in other businesses?
6. In his Social Commentary essays, do you think Kay makes his points clearly? Do the essays make you want to act on the issues he presents or others you feel strongly about? Does he sway your opinions on the subjects? Which ones changed and how did he convince you? What specific images made you change your mind?
7. If you were alive during WWII, do you personally remember the soldiers returning home? Did Kay accurately paint the picture of changes in the South during and after the war in "From the Ashes of Infamy?" Why do you think it was important to Kay’s own psyche to write about the war and his brother-in-law?
8. A certain bookstore publicity coordinator says the younger generation goes for the self-help while the older generation prefers the inspiration in, "If the Dysfunction Fits, Read It." Why do you think this is? Kay himself says he has not read the self-help books and he’s "picked his way" through the stages of (dealing with hardship) more than once. By his writing, do you think he reads the inspirational books, or do you think he uses other tactics to get through difficult times? What works for you? Why do you think he wrote this essay?
9. What do you think "the heart of a child" is, as Kay describes it in, "Gift Rap?" Do you think you have the heart of a child? What factors do you think have helped you keep, or lose it?
10. Since Kay says he does not run to psychics and the like for real answers, who do you think he does turn to, based on his writing throughout the book? Who do you turn to for answers about your future?
11. "I Was a Teenage Quarterback" was Kay’s first real attempt at short fiction. Can you tell? How has his writing style changed and improved? What parts of the story do you think are true and which are not? What leads you to believe this?
12. Kay discusses spirituality in several of the essays. What do you think his beliefs and values are? How are they reflected? How much of a role do you think they play in his daily life?
13. Why do you think "Giving Way" is the last essay in the book? How does it sum up the things Kay has previously discussed?