Group Discussion: Wings Over America and Fireball

1. In chapter 11 of If I Ever Get Out of Here, Lewis recounts his experiences going to Toronto to see Wings in concert with George and his father. This is his first time in Toronto, the biggest city he's ever been to, and it's his first ever rock concert. Look back over Lewis's account of his experience at this concert (pages 156-57), and discuss this chapter in table groups. Take notes to record the perspectives and insights your group comes up with. If shared music fandom can serve as the "rez rocket" between Venus and Mars, does this concert experience represent an example of connection or disconnection--or a little of both? Be specific about the passages and moments throughout this chapter that support either interpretation: look for evidence of Lewis feeling connected to George and his father, and evidence of him feeling separate and apart. Is this concert, on balance, a good experience for him? Does it represent significant progress in his effort to bridge the "worlds" of the reservation and Red Tail Manor?

Please take about ten minutes to analyze and discuss this chapter, recording notes and insights in your notebook.

2. At the end of chapter 11, contemplating the tour program that Mr. Haddonfield has purchased for him, Lewis contemplates how he can "bridge the gap" between him and George. In chapter 13, Lewis has invited George and his father to the annual reservation Picnic, which entails introducing them to the local custom of "Fireball." What does reservation culture look like in this chapter? What do George and his dad seem to make of it? How does this depiction fit with the other ways you've seen Lewis depict his home on the reservation throughout the novel? What moments in this introduction to reservation culture for George and his father stand out to you? On balance, does this seem more like a scene of connection or disconnection? How does this chapter function as Lewis's attempt to show his gratitude to the Haddonfields and to return the favor of their generosity and hospitality? Do these developments represent significant progress in the effort to bridge the two "worlds"?

Please take about ten minutes to analyze and discuss this chapter, recording notes and insights in your notebook.

FOR BOTH SETS OF PROMPTS, YOUR NOTES SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL AND SPECIFIC: CITE PAGE NUMBERS AND KEY PASSAGES OR PHRASES AS NEEDED.