Community is an important idea throughout all three sections of the novel. Compare how these sections address both the benefits and issues associated with community. How do these reflect or react against the common thematic element of individual sacrifice in the novel?

What do you think of the shift in perspective between Books 1 and 2 and Book 3? Why does the author choose to do this? Do you think it’s successful? Why or why not?

What do you make of the change in the sections’ settings? How are these settings similar to each other? How are they different?