What is it about nature that is so appealing to both Jack and Wynn? Does their understanding of their place in nature change as the novel progresses? Examine the role that nature plays in the novel.What does the ordeal teach these two young men about one another, their friendship, and themselves? How does their friendship evolve over the course of their journey?.How does observing Wynn interact with his sister help Jack understand his friend's worldview? Explore Wynn's relationship with his sister, Jess.To what do you attribute their different response styles? Whose approach to these dangerous situations do you consider to be more appropriate? Why? As you answer this question, consider the fire, Pierre, Maia's injuries, and JD and Brent. Compare and contrast Jack and Wynn's responses to danger.Whose initial idea is it, and why is the choice ultimately made in spite of what the two men know about the threat of the fire? Consider Jack and Wynn's decision to go back up the river to look for Maia.How many years had passed since his mother had died there? How did he spend his time on this visit? Why do you think he chose not to tell his father? Discuss Jack's sole trip back to the Encampment.How old was he when she died, and how does he understand his own role in her death? To what extent has he processed his grief? How does our knowledge of this part of Jack's history deepen our understanding of his character? What brought them together? What does each young man admire about the other? Explore the early days of Jack and Wynn's friendship.

The River by Peter Heller