Beautiful Children

By Charles Bock

Discussion Questions

1. Charles Bock grew up as the son of pawn brokers in Las Vegas. How do you think his childhood inspired the writing of this book?

2. Did you find the writing interesting? The characters compelling? How did the content influence your experience?

3. Do you believe this book reflects edgy prose or just lazy language?

4. What statement do you think Bock is making about popular culture?

5. Which characters are salvageable as human beings? Which are not?

6. How did you feel about Kenny idolizing and being intimidated by someone like Bing?

7. Did you find the writing to be clever or gimmicky?

8. How do you think Newell disappeared?

9. Which parts of this novel seemed impossible?

10. Did you feel that the author was satirizing or deifying the homeless youth of Las Vegas?

11. What did you think about the names Cherry and Pony Boy?

12. Was there any humor in this book?

13. What was notable about the relationship between Newell’s parents?

14. How do you think comics contribute to the modern American canon?

15. Which version of Kenny do you think came to be?