Zero Day

Do you think Puller cut Cole more slack for her emotional reaction to officer Wellman’s death because she was a woman? Are there occasions when emotionality might be a particular detriment or advantage?

Does Jean Trent’s B&B really offer a viable alternative to the coal economy? What about small businesses and cottage industries? Can they replace major industry that used to support an entire community?

Does the author seem biased on the subject of coal mining, or is he merely presenting an accurate description of the situation in a typical West Virginia mining town?

Analyze the character of Trent and/or Strauss. Trent exhibits some characteristics of a grandiose narcissist, and Strauss shows some traits of a sociopath. How do they fit or not fit those labels? What about Puller’s father? Might he be a narcissist as well?

The author contrasts “the salt of the earth” with people like Trent, Strauss, and Mason and even the Army brass, all wealthy and/or powerful people who disregard the value of ordinary people trying to get by. Is this a just characterization? Why or why not?

The Armed Forces are highly venerated in American society. Is that a good thing? What does that say about American culture?

Does the author spend too much time depicting the characters talking about the impact of the coal industry on the environment and the economy? He also takes time to have Robert Puller explain in detail how nuclear weapons work. Did that information enhance the story, or did it make the narrative drag?

What do you think of the style and voice of the writing? Were they suited to the protagonist, or should the author have done something different?