Reader's Guide for Pie Town

1. Did you know there was a place called "Pie Town," New Mexico? Can you find it on a map? (Check southwest of Albuquerque.)
2. Father George arrives in town with a young hitchhiker, Trina. Why is he concerned about driving into Pie Town with her?
3. New Mexico is often described as three cultures living together. Who represents the three cultures? Native American, Hispanic, Caucasian. Can you tell any differences in these characters?
4. Pie Town is a very small town. What are the advantages to living in a small town? What are the disadvantages?
5. What is the role of the angel, Alice, in this story? Do you believe in angels? If so, what do you see their role as being for humans?
6. Who needs the angel most in Pie Town? Is it Alex or someone else?
7. How would you describe Father George? Were you surprised by his secret?
8. When did you think Trina might be pregnant? Has our society changed with regards to how we treat unmarried pregnant girls? Where do you think an unmarried and pregnant girl would get the most support, in a small town or a more urban setting?
9. Is the name of the church, Holy Family, significant to the story? Why or why not?
   How does Pie Town demonstrate the idea of "community?" How do you define community?
10. What ultimately motivates the townspeople to help Father George rebuild the church?
11. What does the church symbolize to the town? Why did Alex think it was so important for Pie Town to rebuild Holy Family?
12. Why does Alex never seem to be mad at his mother for leaving? Do you think children forgive more easily than adults? Why or why not?
13. Do you prefer cake or pie? What's your favorite kind of pie?