Catalyst Questions

I liked this book from the very beginning. I liked Kate, I liked all the references to science. I dismiss the references she makes to "Bad Kate". I don't think there was a "Bad Kate", just a confused teenager, trying to figure out life. In fact, I thought she actually had a heart of gold.

While reading, I wondered about a lot of things and promptly scribbled questions on post-its and tucked them into pages. I'm eager to discuss this book in class.

Was it so important for her to get into MIT because it is one of the top schools in the country or was she trying to reconnect/hold onto some piece of her mom by attending her alma mater? Is that why she only sent out one application? Was she subconsciously sabotaging herself? What was the deal with the father? He seemed more concerned about his flock than his family. She seemed to be more of a parent than he. Why did she profess to be an atheist? Is it because of her mother's death or because faith might contradict her scientific world? The running seemed to start with her mother's death and she still runs. What is it a metaphor for?

I have my thoughts, can't wait to hear what the class thinks.