1. Talk about the character Eddie, and the real-life inspiration for him.

2. "No story sits by itself. Sometimes stories met at corners and sometimes they cover one another completely, like stones beneath a river." How does this statement relate to the story and to your own life?

3. Is it possible to know -- or sense -- who some or all of your own five people are?

4. Eddie isn't reincarnated, but does karma play a part in his life just the same? What does the novel tell us about the connection between life and death?

5. What is the significance of the number five?

6. Briefly discuss the five lessons Eddie learns -- and how they might be lessons for all of us.

7. Why did you decide to move the narrative from past to present through Eddie's birthdays?

8. Can you talk about Eddie's relationship with his father? Where did that come from and how have decisions by your parents affected your life?

9. How would you respond when Eddie asks "why would heaven make you relive your own decay?"

10. How does the device of counting down the final minutes of Eddie's life affect your experience of the story and of Eddie?

11. What are you working on these days?

12. Are you equally comfortable writing fiction, nonfiction and journalism?

13. What inspired you as a child to pursue your creative endeavors?

14. Who are you inspired by today?

15. What's your favorite piece of fan mail for Five People?