Pictures Of Hollis Woods

This novel is almost entirely set outdoors or in homes with a close connection to the outdoors, with only two brief scenes in official settings (the school and the agency). Why did the author make this choice? How does it affect the world of the novel?

What do cars and other vehicles represent in the book? Think about important vehicles, like the snowmobile, the pickup truck, and the Silver Bullet. Compare and contrast their symbolism and how they impact the plot.

Choose one or more of Hollis’s drawings to explicate in detail. What do the images tell you about Hollis’s perception of the world?

Hollis is strongly connected to natural elements, like the mountain, the Delaware River, and the holly tree. Why is Hollis’s connection to nature important? How does this combination of elements illustrate different aspects of her character?

How would this book be different if the story was chronological, rather than alternating between the present and the past? What does the use of two timelines add to the story’s meaning?

Because Hollis is an artist, she notices and mentions color throughout the book. Which colors are associated with individual characters and/or settings, and how do colors affect your understanding of them?

The Old Man is the only adult male character in the book; all Hollis’s other foster parents appear to have been women. What makes his relationship with Hollis unique?

Beatrice is a minor character with a big impact on the story. Analyze the scenes where she appears. What makes her uniquely able to give Hollis life-changing advice?