Falling: A Novel

Discuss the use of foreshadowing in the novel overall. For example, Bill points out how security for flight crew is less stringent than that for passengers. Why does Newman have Bill make this point? How does the foreshadowing help pull readers into the story?

Newman uses flashbacks to show connections between characters. How do the flashbacks Bill experiences show his connections to Jo and Carrie? Why is it important for the reader to understand Bill’s relationship with these characters? What other flashbacks does Newman use? For what purpose?

Sam tells Bill he chose him because Bill is a “good American man.” Why does this make Bill ideal, in Sam’s mind, as the subject for Sam’s attack? Consider this question within the theme of The Personal Consequences of Political Actions.

Consider character development in the novel. How does Newman build characters? How does the character development of those on the ground differ from that of those on the plane, if at all? Choose two characters to compare and contrast in depth.

Newman uses social media and a social media influencer to add tension to her story. In what ways does Newman incorporate media, including social media, in the story? How does this use of media as a plot device add tension?

Sam and Ben each make several claims about their motives in hijacking the plane. Examine these claims together. Are they conflicting at all? What is their true motive? Is it more personal or political, or both?

An American war film influenced Ben and Sam as children. How did their view of the United States change with the attack on Kurdistan by Turkey after the withdrawal of American troops from Syria? What does this contrast have to say about how the United States portrays itself versus how it operates in reality? Does Newman do a good job of exploring this contrast?

Newman was a flight attendant for many years. How did her experience come through in the novel? Consider the role of the flight attendants in the story. How did they use their training to protect the passengers?