Storming Heaven

Doc Booker experiences racism at various moments throughout the novel as a black man. What examples of racism are present in the novel, and how does this illustrate the novel’s historical context?

Many characters practice Christianity throughout the novel. For example, Rosa is a Catholic, and Albion is a “No Heller” preacher. How does religion influence various characters throughout the novel?

Carrie believes that the coal miners shouldn’t be at the mercy of their employers, but Miles counters her argument, saying:“Somebody’s got to make the decisions […] A business can’t make money if there’s no chain of command” (213). Discuss the situation from both Carrie and Miles’ point of view. Whose argument is the strongest?

Throughout the novel, figurative language is used to describe the mountains and nature. How do these descriptions help to establish setting? What do the descriptions of the natural world reveal or symbolize about the characters?

C. J. and Doc Booker are socialists, but not everyone in the Annadel Political and Social Club shares their political views. What political ideologies are explored in the text, and how do they influence the characters’ actions?

Explore the relationship between Carrie and Rondal. What character traits are revealed about both characters through their romantic relationship?

The novel ends with an Afterward written by Carrie and Rondal’s son, Dillon Freeman. Why did the author choose to include this Afterward? What does it reveal about the struggle for union rights throughout the 20th century, and how does it connect thematically to the rest of the novel?

Compare and contrast the Homeplace to the coal mines. How are these setting similar or different? What do they represent to Carrie, Albion, and Rondal who have all lived in both locations?