Discussion Points 1. Most people think of the desert as a "dead" place, but for Emmie, it is filled with life. Why does she have such a different perception of the arid landscape? What does the desert mean to her? What is the importance of Ola's kudzu growing in the desert? 2. Emmie's vision of her grandfather comes from an old black and white photograph. How does this record differ from the videotape that Emmie is making for Ola? Do these two methods of capturing the past reflect how the characters feel about the people depicted? Why is it important to Emmie to make the videotape? 3. What is "toning the sweep?" Why is it so important for Emmie and her mother to perform this ceremony? For whom are they toning? 4. Discuss Ola's various friends. What do they have in common? How do they relate to Emmie? Why do you think that they were drawn to Ola?