Night Cruiser (Dale)

Discussion Questions
1. Which is your favorite story in Night Cruiser? Why?

2. Psychologist Carl Jung defines the shadow as "everything the subject refuses to acknowledge about himself." These can be inferior character traits, unmet challenges, or our own dark side. Of the ten stories, which ones would you say shine a spiritual or insightful light on how the different characters deal with their shadow?

3. Which story did you find most creepy? How might it relate to your own fears?

4. Julian of Norwich, a 14th century mystic, famously wrote that "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."  Which story seems best to echo her belief?

5. Individuals must deal with their shadow, but so must larger communities. Which story do you think focuses on a shadow that haunts today's society the most?

6. In "Persons of Marred Appearance," what is the shadow that Deirdre faces? That Deacon William faces? How is Chris a wounded healer?

7. The stories in Night Cruiser, the author said in an interview, are really more about hope than horror. What do you think?

8. Taking all the stories into consideration, how many examples can you point to in which something bad got redeemed? Are there any instances in which a character refuses redemption?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)

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