Challenge 861

Buttoned Down

In Natan Dubovitsky’s Near Zero, Chapter 24: What do the members of the “Our Own” group have in common? Can a pattern be discerned among them?

In Max Christopher’s The Battles of Leuctra:
1. Why does the baby appear to be left abandoned in part 1?
2. At what point are the baby’s parents identified?
In Rune Froseth’s The Decision Button:
1. Does Maurice ever speak to anyone other than the death-chair inventor?
2. In what way might the name “Igor Putschnik” be comical? Why not a French name, like Guillotin?
3. Why might Maurice have a death wish? According to Oscar Wilde, why would good Americans think Maurice has already died? Why might other Americans think he has the right idea?
4. What happens after Maurice pushes the button? How might Igor play a practical joke on him?