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Questions and Answers
Is Hollis Woods bothered by the condition of the houses she sees from the car window?
False
Hollis Woods wore a baseball hat with the brim pulled low over her forehead.
True
The driver of the car had a mustard stain on the front of her sweats.
True
Hollis Woods had a conversation with Steven in person while traveling in the car.
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Is the protagonist of the excerpt, Hollis Woods, frequently moved around to different places and feels unwanted?
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Is Hollis taken to spend the summer with the Regan family in Branches?
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Did Hollis struggle with feeling unwanted and misunderstood initially?
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Did Hollis meet Steven and his father, who were kind to her and offered her a sense of belonging?
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Did Steven and his father take Hollis to a diner and make her feel welcome?
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Did Hollis share a meal with Steven and his father, where they bonded over root beer floats?
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Was the encounter with the Regans a turning point for Hollis, as she started to feel more at ease with them?
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Did the kindness and warmth of the Regans contrast with Hollis's previous experiences of feeling unwanted?
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Did Hollis start to feel a sense of connection and acceptance with the Regans?
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True or false: Hollis never felt a sense of belonging and acceptance with the Regans.
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True or false: The Regans were unkind and unwelcoming to Hollis.
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True or false: Hollis never struggled with feeling unwanted and misunderstood.
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Is the Mustard Woman waiting to deliver a speech about a new start and being good?
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The protagonist is immediately trusting of the Mustard Woman's intentions and her ability to understand and care for them.
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Josie Cahill is described as a beautiful woman with a knife when she is introduced.
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The protagonist is drawn to Josie's artistic nature and the knife she carries.
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Josie takes the protagonist to her backyard, which is a garden on the edge of the woods, and shows her wooden figures with faces.
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The protagonist immediately agrees to stay when Josie offers to create a wooden figure of her.
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The protagonist is hesitant about staying for a long period, as she usually leaves when she has had enough.
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The chapter ends with the protagonist reflecting on her typical routine of leaving places quickly and her internal struggle with the idea of staying in this new environment.
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The Mustard Woman and Josie Cahill are the same person.
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The protagonist is not at all captivated by Josie's beauty, attire, and the knife she carries.
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Josie's backyard is not near any woods.
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The protagonist is not interested in making a wooden figure of herself.
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Steven offers to teach Hollis Woods to drive
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Hollis Woods feels a sense of belonging at Josie Cahill's house
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Hollis admires the sunlight in her bedroom and the kitchen's unique decor
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Josie and Hollis share a simple breakfast together in a cozy environment
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Hollis sketches Josie's house with charcoal
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Josie plans to take Hollis for a drive in an old Buick, referred to as the Silver Bullet
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Hollis occasionally skips school and forges absence notes to avoid the 'mustard woman'
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Josie has a quirky sense of humor, as demonstrated by the decoration in her car
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Henry, Josie's cat, is a prominent character in the story
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Hollis reflects on her relationship with Steven and the feeling of having a brother
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Hollis feels a sense of contentment and belonging in Josie's home
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Josie and Hollis share a unique bond, and Hollis is grateful for the care and attention she receives
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Josie and her father take Hollis to a canal with fishing boats and a view of the Pacific Ocean.
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Josie and Hollis plan to walk along the jetty and discuss their love for the water.
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Hollis feels a sense of contentment and joy during her exploration of the area.
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Josie invites Hollis to work on a sandcastle together.
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The Old Man, Izzy's father, teaches Hollis how to fish.
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Izzy expresses the need for female solidarity against the women.
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Hollis is given a fishing rod and learns how to cast it into the water.
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The text does not highlight Hollis's internal struggles and emotional response to the environment.
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The vivid descriptions in the text do not create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
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The text does not capture the deep bond between Hollis and the natural world, as well as her relationships with the other characters.
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Josie and Hollis plan a long-term stay near the river and mountain.
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Hollis reflects on her feelings about the river and the nearby ocean.
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Josie has ornaments in the attic and an artificial tree.
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Hollis feels a sense of contentment and joy during her exploration of the area.
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The protagonist, Hollis, spent almost every night on Josie's bed.
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The protagonist, Hollis, is watching an old lady dance in the street.
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True or false: Hollis feels a sense of belonging and acceptance with the Regans
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True or false: Josie brings Chinese food for dinner, which is a regular tradition
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True or false: Hollis draws a picture of a boat and shares it with Beatrice
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True or false: The Old Man gives Hollis a box of art supplies as a present, showing his appreciation for her talent
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True or false: The narrative captures Hollis' growth and sense of connection with the people around her
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True or false: Hollis' past experiences and difficulties are not hinted at in the story
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True or false: The text conveys a sense of warmth, family, and belonging in Hollis' life
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True or false: Steven often disappears, causing arguments in the house
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True or false: Hollis and Steven go on an adventure up the mountain road, stopping to observe nature along the way
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True or false: Josie informs Hollis that her cousin Beatrice is visiting, and she brings Chinese food for dinner
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True or false: The story depicts Hollis' relationships with the people in her life and her sense of belonging
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True or false: Hollis often feels a sense of contentment and acceptance with the Old Man, Izzy, and Steven
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True or false: The protagonist lies to Josie about school being closed.
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True or false: Beatrice is leaving for New Mexico, and she asks the protagonist to take care of Josie.
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True or false: The protagonist is reluctant to let Beatrice leave.
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True or false: Beatrice wants to ensure that Josie will be taken care of while she is away.
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True or false: The protagonist wants to start over and do things differently.
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True or false: The protagonist finds old art supplies in Josie's attic.
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True or false: The Old Man and Izzy leave for a movie, leaving the protagonist and Steven behind.
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True or false: Steven and the Old Man have a conversation about neatness and tidiness.
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True or false: Steven encourages the protagonist to 'hang in there.'
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True or false: Beatrice leaves her contact information with the protagonist.
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True or false: The protagonist is attached to a particular picture that captures a happy moment.
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True or false: Josie's Relationship
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Beatrice is not an art teacher
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The Old Man acknowledges the protagonist's artistic gift
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The characters do not provide emotional support and encouragement to the protagonist
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The protagonist immediately agrees to stay when Josie offers to create a wooden figure of her
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The text highlights the protagonist's emotional response to the recognition of her artistic talent by the characters
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The protagonist reflects on the profound impact of the characters' encouragement on her artistic journey
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The Old Man's acknowledgment of the protagonist's talent marks a significant moment of emotional connection for the protagonist
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Beatrice plans a painting trip and expresses her intention to leave the protagonist in Josie's care
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The protagonist is hesitant about staying for a long period, as she usually leaves when she has had enough
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Josie's backyard is not near any woods
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Hollis feels a sense of connection and acceptance with the Regans
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Josie is a woodcarver and is carving a figure of Hollis from oak, taking her time to get to know her before carving the face.
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The Old Man reveals that 'Hollis Woods' is a real place, which surprises the protagonist
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The 'mustard woman' arrives to take Hollis to school, but she resists.
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Hollis carries a shell for good luck and reminisces about the drawing box given to her by the Old Man.
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The setting is in a wintry Queens, where Hollis and Josie have a special bond and often visit the ocean together.
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Hollis' past, as a foundling without a blanket, and her present, as a foster child, are central to the story.
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Hollis and Josie have a close bond and often go to the ocean together.
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The 'mustard woman' arrives to take Hollis to school, but she resists.
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Hollis is protective of Josie and doesn't want the mustard woman to see her wet, bare legs and soaked shoes.
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Hollis admires the fishing boats and wishes to be on one to see the land from the sea.
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The story is about Hollis' search for a place to belong and the relationships she forms along the way.
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Josie gathers sea grass for Hollis' wood figure and touches Hollis's shoulder with it.
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Hollis and Josie plan a long-term stay near the river and mountain.
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True or false: Hollis plans to climb the mountain and shout to the whole world that she has a family and belongs?
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True or false: The mustard woman calls Hollis to chitchat and asks about her school, lunch, and Mrs. Cahill?
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True or false: Hollis feels a sense of happiness and belonging with the Old Man and Izzy?
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True or false: The protagonist, Hollis, has a conversation with the mustard woman about Mrs. Cahill's memory?
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True or false: The woman once ran away from a place called Branches and was caught after a few days.
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True or false: They reach the exit sign for Branches, and the woman plans to find shelter there.
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True or false: The woman is apprehensive about the future but tries to remain optimistic for Josie and Henry.
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True or false: The woman and child are on the run, with the woman anxious about being caught.
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True or false: The woman is driving with Josie and Henry, trying to calm herself down and pretending everything is fine.
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True or false: They arrive at a house, and the woman feels a mix of emotions, knowing they have to find a new place by summer.
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True or false: The woman reminisces about leaving the place and feeling a deep sense of loss.
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True or false: The woman reassures Josie and Henry about the new place, trying to make it sound positive.
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True or false: The woman is worried about the mustard woman finding out they are gone and calling the police.
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True or false: The woman tries to keep Josie awake as they drive, talking about the river and their plans.
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True or false: They cross a bridge, and the woman recalls memories of the place.
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True or false: The woman and Josie take in the appearance of the house and the surroundings.
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True or false: The protagonist is considering leaving home to take care of an elderly family member, Josie.
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True or false: The protagonist is torn between the decision to leave and the memories of summer and family at home.
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True or false: The protagonist plans to escape with Josie in a car called the Silver Bullet.
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True or false: The protagonist reflects on the struggle of fitting into a family and the fear of ruining existing relationships.
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True or false: The protagonist is reminded of the approaching fall and the last weekend with the family.
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True or false: The protagonist is determined to leave, despite financial constraints, and plans to embark on an adventure with Josie.
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True or false: The protagonist recalls a conversation with the mustard woman about visiting Eleanor and being in the same school as Josie.
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True or false: The protagonist grapples with feelings of guilt and concern about leaving Steven and the Old Man behind.
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True or false: The protagonist reminisces about Steven and the house in Hancock, contemplating the decision to leave.
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True or false: The protagonist remembers a doll with pale painted eyes and a promise to save it in the morning, connecting it to the need to save Josie.
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True or false: The protagonist remembers a heartfelt moment of belonging and acceptance with the family on the porch.
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True or false: The protagonist recalls a frenzied week in August with Steven, Izzy, and the Old Man, and the difficult decision to leave them.
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True or false: The narrator and Josie arrive at the house in bitter cold weather, and the narrator realizes Josie's open-toed shoes are impractical for the weather.
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True or false: The narrator and Josie plan to break into a house, despite the narrator's worries about getting caught and the Old Man's potential disapproval.
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True or false: The narrator struggles with the car's low fuel and pleads with it for one more bit, hinting at a potential plan or purpose.
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True or false: The text sets a tense and mysterious tone, with hints about the narrator's past and the significance of the Silver Bullet and the damaged truck.
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True or false: The narrator plans to move the car into the shed, and experiences a moment of internal conflict when confronted with the damaged truck in the shed.
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True or false: The narrator and Henry make several trips to the car to bring in belongings from Josie's house.
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True or false: The narrator reflects on the familiarity of their surroundings and the memories associated with the house, particularly a drawing box.
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True or false: The narrator struggles with the car's low fuel and pleads with it for one more bit, hinting at a potential plan or purpose.
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True or false: The text is rich in sensory details, emphasizing the setting's coldness and the characters' actions, thoughts, and emotions.
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True or false: The narrator reminisces about the house's history and the Old Man, and tries to assure Josie that the house is now theirs.
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True or false: The narrator starts a fire and tends to Josie's cold feet, indicating a sense of responsibility and care for her.
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True or false: The story reveals a complex relationship between the narrator, Josie, the Old Man, and the house, suggesting a deeper backstory and potential future developments.
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True or false: The protagonist and Josie are planning to leave a house in Branches with Henry and Izzy?
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True or false: The protagonist struggles with the decision to leave, feeling torn between the need to escape and the guilt of leaving others behind?
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True or false: Josie is hesitant and tired, but eventually agrees to go on the journey?
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True or false: The protagonist feels conflicted about their decision and seeks reassurance from imagined conversations with Josie and the Old Man?
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True or false: They make a stop at a gas station and the protagonist is relieved to find it, as they were running low on fuel?
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True or false: The protagonist is determined to reach Branches, despite the challenges and uncertainties?
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True or false: The text conveys a sense of tension and desperation as the protagonist tries to make their escape?
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True or false: The protagonist encounters challenges on the road, including a rainstorm and navigation difficulties?
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True or false: The urgency to leave is driven by the fear of being found after leaving without notice?
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True or false: The protagonist is feeling hungry and tired, and the journey is taking a toll on them?
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True or false: Josie is a woodcarver and is carving a figure of Hollis from oak, taking her time to get to know her before carving the face?
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True or false: The Old Man reveals that 'Branches' is a real place, which surprises the protagonist?
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True or false: Hollis wonders if Steven likes the snow or if they are used to storms like this and never pay attention to them.
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True or false: Hollis plans to draw in front of the big window using charcoal and burned wood from the fireplace.
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True or false: Hollis wonders what the Old Man, Izzy, and Steven would say if they found her pictures when they had to leave next spring.
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True or false: Hollis considers calling Beatrice in the spring and wonders what would happen to her.
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True or false: The protagonist falls and gets injured while dancing on the rock?
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True or false: Steven arrives just before sunrise to rescue the protagonist?
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True or false: The truck begins to slide uncontrollably while they are descending the hill?
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True or false: The truck tips over, and Steven urges the protagonist to jump before it goes over the edge?
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True or false: The story ends with the snow tapering off and stopping late in the afternoon?
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True or false: The protagonist shows Steven a crumpled picture from their childhood and opens up about their struggles and running away?
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True or false: Steven is initially upset for having to come to the rescue, but then sits with the protagonist and watches the sunset?
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True or false: The protagonist hesitates to call for help, but eventually calls Steven, who arrives just before sunset?
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True or false: The protagonist climbs a steep hill, takes a break to make a sketch, and reaches the top, where they enjoy the view?
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True or false: Steven offers understanding and support, acknowledging the protagonist's actions as a step in the right direction?
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True or false: The protagonist starts descending the hill in Steven's truck, but it begins to slide uncontrollably?
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True or false: The truck tips, and Steven urges the protagonist to jump before it goes over the edge?
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True or false: The protagonist dreams of a fox in the story?
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True or false: Josie surprises the protagonist with a Christmas Eve dinner of apple pancakes and milk?
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True or false: The protagonist desires an egg the next morning in the story?
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True or false: Josie shares the history of each ornament as they decorate?
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True or false: The excerpt conveys a sense of warmth and coziness amidst the cold and snow?
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True or false: The text explores themes of home, family, and the joy of Christmas traditions?
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True or false: The story captures the magic and beauty of a snowy Christmas in a remote setting?
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True or false: The protagonist sneaks a picture of Beatrice and Josie in the story?
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True or false: The protagonist hacks branches for decorations, recalling a story about hunters building shelters with tree branches?
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True or false: The protagonist falls asleep, excited for presents in the morning?
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True or false: The protagonist's thoughts and actions reveal a deep care for Josie's well-being and happiness?
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True or false: The next morning, the protagonist plans to decorate the house with ornaments?
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True or false: The protagonist struggles to sleep due to the memory of a traumatic event involving a truck accident.
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True or false: The protagonist's brother, Steven, is injured in the truck accident, and the protagonist seeks help.
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True or false: The protagonist receives confirmation from an agency hotshot that Steven will recover from his injuries.
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True or false: The protagonist's decision to leave is driven by a sense of guilt and a desire to escape the familial troubles.
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True or false: The protagonist's departure is marked by a mix of emotional turmoil and a sense of finality.
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True or false: The protagonist's actions and emotions reflect a deep internal conflict and a desire for independence.
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True or false: The protagonist watches deer outside their house, then recalls a distressing memory of a fisherman and a green sweater.
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True or false: The Old Man and Izzy arrive, concerned about the accident, and an ambulance is called.
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True or false: The protagonist feels responsible for the family's troubles and decides to leave a note and return to Long Island.
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True or false: The protagonist seeks refuge with the stucco woman and reflects on the family's dynamics.
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True or false: The protagonist expresses a strong desire to sever ties with the family and never return.
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True or false: The protagonist's decision to leave is driven by a sense of guilt and a desire to escape the familial troubles.
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True or false: The protagonist plans to use evergreen branches for decoration, have a special dinner of fruit cocktail, canned tuna, and popcorn, and give a picture of Josie as a gift.
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True or false: The protagonist finds an old radio and sets it up to play Christmas music to enhance the festive ambiance.
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True or false: The text hints at a tragic event that occurred on a Saturday involving Steven and the protagonist, leading to feelings of guilt and regret.
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True or false: The protagonist is accompanied by Josie and Beatrice, and their interactions revolve around attempts to create a festive atmosphere in their isolated environment.
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True or false: The protagonist's attempts to create a Christmas atmosphere are juxtaposed with the haunting memories of a past event, creating a sense of emotional turmoil.
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True or false: The narrative alludes to a sense of isolation and longing for normalcy and connection with the outside world.
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True or false: The story explores themes of isolation, longing, and the struggle to find joy and connection in a remote and challenging environment.
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True or false: The protagonist's internal struggle with the memories of the past event continues to impact their current state of mind.
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True or false: The text conveys a sense of loneliness and longing for human connection, as the protagonist tries to navigate their emotions and memories in the wilderness.
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True or false: The protagonist starts sketching a picture of Josie and Beatrice, but is distracted by memories of a significant event involving Steven and a rowboat.
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True or false: Despite the attempt to create a cheerful atmosphere, the protagonist is haunted by memories of a past event involving Steven, which they struggle to shake off.
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True or false: The protagonist's attempts to create a Christmas atmosphere with limited resources are successful in lifting their spirits and dispelling the haunting memories.
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True or false: Josie brings out a round tin of Izzy's hard candies, which she claims is a gift from Santa Claus?
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True or false: The protagonist recalls Izzy offering her lemon drops and orange candies, saying they'll make her sweet and loving?
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True or false: The protagonist feels the need to pay back Izzy for the candies and offers Josie the first pick from the tin?
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True or false: Josie claims to have a real present for the protagonist and goes into Izzy and the Old Man's bedroom to retrieve it?
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True or false: The protagonist encounters a tree figurine resembling herself, expressing a mixture of emotions.
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True or false: The protagonist reminisces about her son's upcoming birthday, evoking sadness and longing.
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True or false: The protagonist resists Mr. Regan's attempts to persuade her to return home, feeling conflicted.
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True or false: The protagonist discovers a shell from her first encounter with the ocean, prompting a desire for the outdoors.
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True or false: The protagonist reflects on her son's perception of her and her decision to stay where she is.
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True or false: The text shifts to a description of a drawing at an agency, revealing a disconnect between perception and reality.
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True or false: The protagonist experiences a sense of isolation and emotional turmoil as she walks outside.
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True or false: The protagonist's internal struggle and longing for freedom are conveyed through her actions and surroundings.
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True or false: The protagonist's thoughts and actions reveal a deep care for Josie's well-being and happiness.
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True or false: The woman and child are on the run, with the woman anxious about being caught.
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True or false: The narrative alludes to a sense of isolation and longing for normalcy and connection with the outside world.
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True or false: The Old Man's acknowledgment of the protagonist's talent marks a significant moment of emotional connection for the protagonist
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True or false: Hollis plans to call her friend Beatrice and considers going home with Josie.
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True or false: Hollis sets out to find a phone to call Beatrice and hear if she would come to live with Josie.
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True or false: Hollis hears a snowmobile and runs towards the road to find Steven, who is on the snowmobile.
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True or false: Steven explains that he has been looking for Hollis and that she is famous with her picture in the newspapers.
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True or false: Steven shares that he knew about the accident being his fault and that everything always seems to be Hollis's fault.
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True or false: Steven tells Hollis that she doesn't understand families yet and shares his perspective on their relationship and the accident.
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True or false: The Old Man's acknowledgment of the protagonist's talent marks a significant moment of emotional connection for the protagonist.
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True or false: The protagonist's decision to leave is driven by a sense of guilt and a desire to escape the familial troubles.
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True or false: Hollis is worried about being caught and considers the consequences of her decisions.
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True or false: The text is rich in sensory details, emphasizing the setting's coldness and the characters' actions, thoughts, and emotions.
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True or false: Hollis and Steven discuss their family dynamics and how they drive each other crazy, but it's all right.
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True or false: Steven shares that her absence has made her guardian, the Old Man, go crazy looking for her.
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True or false: The protagonist grapples with memories of the Old Man's affection for Steven and their own feelings of abandonment.
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True or false: The protagonist links memories of Santa Claus to their current situation, triggering a sense of urgency.
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True or false: The protagonist attempts to wake Josie, seeking answers but ultimately feeling resigned and uncertain.
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True or false: The protagonist prepares food for Josie and attempts to rouse her, then goes to bed feeling restless and anxious.
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True or false: The protagonist experiences conflicting thoughts and emotions, oscillating between hope and doubt.
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True or false: The story ends with the protagonist awake at dawn, suggesting a continuation of their internal struggle and search for clarity.
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True or false: The text evokes themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family dynamics, as the protagonist grapples with their past and present.
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True or false: The protagonist recalls conversations with Beatrice and Izzy, prompting introspection about belonging and family.
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True or false: The protagonist examines their drawings, noticing recurring use of blue and green, and resolves to discard them.
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True or false: The protagonist recalls Beatrice's advice about learning from one's drawings, leading to a realization about their family.
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True or false: The protagonist contemplates returning home with Josie, feeling a sense of displacement and longing for the ocean.
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True or false: The protagonist resolves to discard their drawings after noticing recurring use of blue and green.
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True or false: Hollis calls Izzy and asks if she can come home, to which Izzy responds positively.
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True or false: The Old Man wanted Hollis' room to be painted blue, but it is being painted green as Steven suggested.
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True or false: The picture in Hollis' room depicts a Memorial Day gathering with the Old Man, Steven, Izzy, and Hollis standing on the porch steps.
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True or false: Hollis still visits Josie on Long Island, where Josie does not remember her exactly but still loves her.
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True or false: The picture in Hollis' room serves as a reminder of the family's love and support, as well as the journey Hollis has taken to find her place within it.
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True or false: Beatrice promises to come home right away to be with Josie and Hollis, expressing excitement at the prospect of seeing them and Henry.
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True or false: The Old Man frames a picture and hangs it in Hollis' room, reflecting a happy family moment with the Old Man, Steven, Izzy, and herself.
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True or false: Hollis reassures Beatrice that they will go home soon and that everything is fine before hanging up the phone.
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True or false: The picture in Hollis' room reflects a sense of belonging and family, capturing a moment of happiness and togetherness.
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True or false: Steven informs Hollis that they have started painting her room green, as the Old Man had suggested, but the Old Man wanted it to be blue.
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True or false: The Old Man wanted Hollis' room to be painted blue, but it is being painted green as Steven suggested.
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True or false: Hollis is reunited with Steven, who tells her that he has been searching for her and that he has been fixing up the old truck.
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Study Notes
A Day by the Water
- The protagonist, Hollis, travels with Josie and her father in a car.
- They arrive at a canal with fishing boats and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Josie and Hollis discuss their love for the water and plan to walk along the jetty.
- They explore the area, with Josie expressing her deep connection to the ocean and Hollis feeling a sense of longing and pain.
- Josie invites Hollis to work on her tree figure, indicating a potential long-term stay.
- Hollis reflects on her feelings about the river and the nearby mountain.
- The Old Man, Izzy's father, teaches Hollis how to fish, and they plan to catch something for dinner.
- Izzy welcomes Hollis and expresses the need for female solidarity against the men.
- Hollis is given a fishing rod and learns how to cast it into the water.
- The text highlights Hollis's internal struggles and her emotional response to the environment.
- The vivid descriptions create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
- The text captures the deep bond between Hollis and the natural world, as well as her relationships with the other characters.
Finding Hollis Woods
- The protagonist was found as a baby on a street corner with just a scrap of paper saying "CALL HER HOLLIS WOODS."
- Hollis has run away from her various foster homes and is now living with an elderly woman named Josie.
- Josie is a woodcarver and is carving a figure of Hollis from oak, taking her time to get to know her before carving the face.
- Hollis and Josie have a close bond and often go to the ocean together.
- The "mustard woman" arrives to take Hollis to school, but she resists.
- Hollis admires the fishing boats and wishes to be on one to see the land from the sea.
- Josie gathers sea grass for Hollis' wood figure and touches Hollis's shoulder with it.
- Hollis is protective of Josie and doesn't want the mustard woman to see her wet, bare legs and soaked shoes.
- Hollis carries a shell for good luck and reminisces about the drawing box given to her by the Old Man.
- The story is about Hollis' search for a place to belong and the relationships she forms along the way.
- The setting is in a wintry Queens, where Hollis and Josie have a special bond and often visit the ocean together.
- Hollis' past, as a foundling without a blanket, and her present, as a foster child, are central to the story.
Escape to Branches
- The protagonist is planning to leave a house in Branches with Josie and Henry
- The protagonist is frantically packing food and warm clothes for the journey
- They are trying to leave Long Island and head to Route Seventeen, aiming to reach a safe house in the woods
- The urgency to leave is driven by the fear of being found after leaving without notice
- The protagonist struggles with the decision to leave, feeling torn between the need to escape and the guilt of leaving others behind
- Josie is hesitant and tired, but eventually agrees to go
- They encounter challenges on the road, including a snowstorm and navigation difficulties
- The protagonist feels conflicted about their decision and seeks reassurance from imagined conversations with Izzy and the Old Man
- They make a stop at a gas station and the protagonist is relieved to find it, as they were running low on fuel
- The protagonist is feeling hungry and tired, and the journey is taking a toll on them
- The protagonist is determined to reach Branches, despite the challenges and uncertainties
- The text conveys a sense of tension and desperation as the protagonist tries to make their escape
A Christmas Eve in the Wilderness
- The protagonist is stranded in a remote wilderness, unsure of the date, and attempts to recreate a Christmas atmosphere with limited resources.
- They plan to use evergreen branches for decoration, have a special dinner of fruit cocktail, canned tuna, and popcorn, and give a picture of Josie as a gift.
- The protagonist finds an old radio and sets it up to play Christmas music to enhance the festive ambiance.
- Despite the attempt to create a cheerful atmosphere, the protagonist is haunted by memories of a past event involving Steven, which they struggle to shake off.
- The protagonist starts sketching a picture of Josie and Beatrice, but is distracted by memories of a significant event involving Steven and a rowboat.
- The text hints at a tragic event that occurred on a Saturday involving Steven and the protagonist, leading to feelings of guilt and regret.
- The protagonist's internal struggle with the memories of the past event continues to impact their current state of mind.
- The narrative alludes to a sense of isolation and longing for normalcy and connection with the outside world.
- The protagonist is accompanied by Josie and Beatrice, and their interactions revolve around attempts to create a festive atmosphere in their isolated environment.
- The text conveys a sense of loneliness and longing for human connection, as the protagonist tries to navigate their emotions and memories in the wilderness.
- The protagonist's attempts to create a Christmas atmosphere are juxtaposed with the haunting memories of a past event, creating a sense of emotional turmoil.
- The story explores themes of isolation, longing, and the struggle to find joy and connection in a remote and challenging environment.
Hollis Woods Reconnects with Family
- Hollis is reunited with Steven, who tells her that he has been searching for her and that he has been fixing up the old truck
- Hollis calls Beatrice from a phone booth, and Beatrice is relieved to hear from her, expressing concern about Josie and her well-being
- Beatrice promises to come home right away to be with Josie and Hollis, expressing excitement at the prospect of seeing them and Henry
- Steven informs Hollis that they have started painting her room green, as the Old Man had suggested, but the Old Man wanted it to be blue
- Hollis reassures Beatrice that they will go home soon and that everything is fine before hanging up the phone
- Hollis then calls Izzy and asks if she can come home, to which Izzy responds positively
- The Old Man frames a picture and hangs it in Hollis' room, reflecting a happy family moment with the Old Man, Steven, Izzy, and herself
- The picture depicts a Memorial Day gathering with the Old Man, Steven, Izzy, and Hollis standing on the porch steps, with the Old Man and Steven playfully arguing
- Hollis reflects on the picture and the memories associated with it, including the happiness of Izzy and the importance of family
- Hollis mentions that she still visits Josie on Long Island, where Josie does not remember her exactly but still loves her
- The picture in Hollis' room reflects a sense of belonging and family, capturing a moment of happiness and togetherness
- The picture serves as a reminder of the family's love and support, as well as the journey Hollis has taken to find her place within it
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Description
Test your knowledge of the 'Hollis Woods' book series by answering questions about the protagonist, Hollis, her relationships with Josie, Steven, and other characters, and the emotional journeys she embarks on. Explore themes of family, belonging, and self-discovery in this captivating book series.
