1. What pivotal moments mark Carrie's journey toward a healthier mental state?

2. As Carrie embarks on her path to recovery, does her relationship with her mother improve? What reasons can you provide to support your view?

3. The characters surrounding Carrie remain underdeveloped, with her father virtually vanishing post-suicide attempt. Why might Oneal have opted for such limited character exploration?

4. What role does Daniel Spangler serve within the narrative, and how does he influence Carrie's life?

5. How do you perceive the dynamic between Carrie and Moira? In what ways, if any, does Moira offer support to Carrie?

6. What causes Carrie such profound disturbance regarding Mrs. Ramsay's affair?

7. What reasons might explain Mr. and Mrs. Stokes' struggle to comprehend Carrie's abstract artwork?

8. In what ways does Saskia's interpretation of Carrie's island drawings hint at her path to healing?

9. What underlying message does Oneal aim to communicate through Carrie's interactions with Katherine Fowles?