by Homer Hickam
Petro gave her question some thought, then said, “Make life fun. And if it isn’t fun, you’re doing something wrong.” He chucked Minerva under the chin. When she giggled, he added, “And look after the kids. If you do, they’re gonna take us to the stars!”
Reading Group Guide
1. At the end of Crescent, it wasn’t clear whether Crater and Maria were going to end up together. Were you satisfied with their relationship at the end of Lunar Rescue Company? Do you think they made the right decision?
2. Although they are estranged, Crater can’t seem to get Maria out of his mind and Maria can’t seem to let go of Crater. Do you know relationships like that? Do they usually work out?
3. What did you think of Petro in this novel? What motivates him? Do you think he helps or hinders Crater? Would you like to be more like Petro or Crater?
4. Even though they are illegal and know it, would you like to have a gillie? What would you do with it?
5. Maria is tempted by the offer from Truvia to be the queen of the new civilization on the moon. What would you do in that situation?
6. Crescent’s decision to have a baby tremendously affects Crater. Do you think she should have told him her plan? Do you sympathize with her? If you were Crater, what would you have done when you found out?
7. The crowhoppers we meet in this novel seem a little more human than the ones we met in the first two. Assuming the author wrote about them accurately, why do you think that is?
8. The Colonel’s plan to place asteroids at L5 was to ensure the moon wouldn’t be attacked. Does what happened help you to better understand the phrase, “unintended consequences”?
9. Although Truvia the Trainer was obviously a villain, are you able to sympathize with her situation? Why or why not?
10. If these novels were about real people, would you want to live as they do on the moon?
11. Crater, Maria, Crescent, and Petro form a company to build a ship capable of going to a nearby star, even though the trip would take decades. Do you think anyone will want to go? Why or why not?
12. At the end of the novel, Maria and Crescent talk about what Crescent did to have Crater’s child. Crescent says she owes Maria no explanation although she gives her one, anyway. Maria believes Crescent owes her an apology. Who is right, in this case?
About the Author
Photo by Gary Cosby Jr., the Decatur Daily
Homer Hickam is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Rocket Boys, which was made into the acclaimed movie October Sky. He is also the author of the bestseller Torpedo Junction, the award-winning memoir Sky of Stone, and the bestseller Back to the Moon. He is married to Linda Terry Hickam, and they live in Huntsville, Alabama.
Visit homerhickam.com for more information.
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