Bear Witness Discussion Questions

1.     The book opens with Naomi telling us that she hadn’t planned on “scampering into a barroom brawl.” What did that lead you to expect? As the events at the bar unfold, what do we learn about Naomi? About Dee?

2.     Even though he is speaking English, Llewellyn Nez uses a traditional Navajo self-introduction when formally identifying himself to the authorities. What are the elements of the introduction? How does it compare with some forms of introduction in your own community, or in other cultures you’ve experienced?

 3.     What was your first impression of Kathy Roberson? How do your impressions change?

 4.     We learn that the distinctive, colorful landscape around Sage Landing has been featured in a number of films, tv shows, and commercials. Have you seen any shows or commercials set in a landscape like that? How does such a setting influence a show that’s set there, or on the image of a product that’s photographed there?  

 5.     Lew and Naomi have a history. How does it shape events in the story? Where do you think their relationship goes from here?

6.     If you read Coyote Alibi, you already knew John Rice and his associate, Fred. What was your reaction when they showed up in Sage Landing again? What did you think of them by the end of Bear Witness?

 7.     Both Coyote Alibi and Bear Witness have distinctive covers (credit goes to artist Paul Burges). What aspects of the books are reflected in the cover designs?

 8.     Were you expecting Kathy’s party on the Dam Yankee to end the way it did? Much later, Naomi tells Carson what she thought Kathy was expecting to do afterwards. What do you think of Naomi’s theory?

9.     Grant Carson seems to have complicated relationships with several women. How would you describe his relationship with Naomi?

10.  What role does money -- making money, needing money -- play in the book?  

11.  “A Desert Place” was supposed to be a new version of “Macbeth.” A number of such films have been made, set in a variety of eras and places. Have you seen any of these versions? Would you watch the version that Pressfield was making near Sage Landing?

 12.  Sage Landing can be described as a place characterized by several overlapping boundaries. What are some of the different worlds that meet there? How do the encounters influence the story?