"A Chirstmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

What is the pivotal point in the play and how does the suspense shift at this point?

What was Scrooge's relationship with Jacob Marley and why is Marley's presence significant through the story?

For further information about the story and the author, check out the following link:

http://www.dtcinfo.org/PublicDocs/A%20Christmas%20Carol%20Study%20Guide.pdf

"Plainsong" by Kent Haruf

The McPheron brothers think they know nothing about young girls. Is that the case? Has their solitary life close to the earth handicapped them so far as human relations go, or has it, in fact, provided them with hidden advantages?

For an interview with the author, Kent Haruf, check out the following link:

http://www.randomhouse.com/boldtype/1199/haruf/interview.html