What are some of the key differences between Jackie and Marty? Although the brothers are close, there are important differences between them including their philosophies about life and their values. What do the two brothers have in common? Compare the differences that exist between Jackie and Marty to that of Jackie and Lainey.
Identify examples of symbolism in the story and what they represent. For instance, Jazz would be a symbol for love and relationship. Anything else? What would funny teeth, golden retrievers, ice cream, blankets, and roast beef dinners represent?
The story covers the evolution of jazz, records, listening and recording technology, and the process of making mixed tapes. What is the significance of that evolution in the way Jackie lives his life?
What is the key to happiness portrayed in Jackie Jazz? How does Jackie demonstrate what truly makes us happy in life?
Throughout the novel, Jackie faces events that happen suddenly. What is the importance of suddenness and how things happen suddenly in Jackie Jazz? What are examples of events that happen suddenly to Jackie?
Why does Marty care so much about Jackie’s direction? What does that represent to him? To what degree is the character of Marty sympathetic? Was Marty right to pursue his career for so long?
How is heroism an important theme in the book? Discuss acts of heroism in the novel. How do the portrayals of heroism differ? What does “being noble”mean to Jackie?
What does it mean in the story to “take the helm” and“you’re the captain,” and how does it link to living a life of virtue?
After Jackie and Lainey experience heartbreak and setback in their lives, Jackie faces the choice of finding a new job or going back to school. What would you have done in his place?
What are the consequences of “being there,” living in the present, and living in the now for Jackie’s life? How are others affected by an inability to live in the present?
Reflect on the implausible idea that Jackie thought it would be wonderful if Father O’Shea could attend his own funeral and see all the people he had affected. What plausible scene supported Minnie’s idea that Jackie “has seen the people he’s touched . . . Jackie was always there”?
Scavenger hunt . . . there are many life philosophies and reminders highlighted in the novel. Are you able to identify examples of them – regarding virtue, moral excellence, honesty, respect, courage, forgiveness, listening and being kind?
If legacy is the lasting inspiration, guidance and impact handed down from the actions and character of a person’s life, what is Jackie’s legacy and how did he achieve it?
What is the importance of the restaurant scenes where Jackie and Marty were meeting, and what moral maxim or principle did you perceive in the events that occurred? How are Jackie’s and Marty’s perspectives and reactions to the restaurant events different, and how are they aligned?
Why does Marty use Latin phrases occasionally in conversation with Jackie, and why does Jackie respond the way he does – usually with “what?”
What do you think Marty is hiding from Jackie? Do we ever see the real Marty?
What do you think Dizzy Gillespie meant when he said, “I don’t care much about music, what I like is sounds”?
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