1. Waterless Mountain offers a window into the rich tapestry of Navajo customs and traditions. Delve into the significance of one or two such customs or traditions and explore their impact on the culture.

2. The novel also sheds light on the spiritual beliefs of the Navajo. Can you identify any similarities between Navajo religious practices and those of other faiths you are acquainted with?

3. In the novel's intricate weave of plot and theme, consider the pivotal roles of these characters: the enigmatic Big Man; the white boy whom Younger Brother encounters amidst a swirling sandstorm; the mysterious Cut Finger; and Elder Brother's wife. Discuss their significance.

4. Contemplate the importance of Younger Brother's meetings with Yellow Beak, the cunning Pack Rat, and the elusive Soft-Footed Chief within the story's plot and overarching theme.

5. Through his westward odyssey, Younger Brother acquires invaluable wisdom. Which particular experience imparts the greatest lesson to him, and why do you believe it stands out?

6. After their sojourn in the white man's realm, the Big Man declares, "Yes, we must all go back. We do not belong here. There is too much noise and too much heaping of goods." Explore the deeper meaning behind this statement and its relevance to Younger Brother's newly gained insights.

7. Before venturing into the realm of writing, Laura Adams Armer painted vivid imagery with her brush, and in Waterless Mountain, her prose vividly paints pictures. Select one of your favorite passages from the novel and read it aloud. What elements make it resonate so effectively?

8. Armer's close-knit experience with the Navajo—learning their language, traditions, and way of life—infuses her narrative with authenticity. Discuss several scenes where this insider perspective becomes unmistakably apparent.

9. The narrative arc of Waterless Mountain steadily guides us toward Younger Brother's journey back home and his essential role in uncovering the lost tribal masks. What insights lead him to their whereabouts, and how does recovering the masks underscore his destiny as a future Navajo medicine man?