Jaime often thinks the events of the novel, starting with Miguel’s death, are his fault. Are they? Why or why not?

Imagine you were in Jaime’s situation at the beginning of the novel. Would you have chosen to take the uncertain road north or to stay with your family and join the Alphas?

Explain the roles that Padre Kevin and El Gordo play in the novel. Are they good characters? Bad characters? Why?