1. Compare the relationship of Carl and Lil with similar relationships you know about or have experienced.

2. How does the dementia of characters in this novel compare with actual cases you know about?

3. Did the episode about Lil’s marriage certificate add to or detract from the novel’s plot? Why?

4. Would you rate the moral life of L. Ray Flowers “good,” “bad,” or somewhere in between? Why?

5. Does the “back story” about Darla and L. Ray detract from or add to the novel?

6. Describe differences you have observed among residences for the elderly. Why do you believe these differences exist?

7. Where have you confronted situations and language such as that found in the prologue to Lunch at the Piccadilly?

8. Does the music written by Carl and L. Ray add to or distract from the plot of the novel? Why?

9. Do you detect any changes in Carl during the story? If so, elaborate.

10. How do you feel about the use of humor in a story about the elderly?

11. In two short sentences, say what you believe this novel is about.

12. Would you describe the ending of this novel as upbeat? a downer? something else? Why?