Ask Robert Inman discussion

After reading Dairy Queen Days, I was curious about Joe Pike's fumble in his high school football game. Was it a metaphor for Joe Pike's inability to find completion in his life or merely another letdown by a Moseley in his hometown? The letdown did not keep Joe Pike from playing college ball so I'm guessing it was a personal issue for Joe Pike and the town.

Also, I was curious about the fate of Trout and the town of Moseley. Does Irene return? Does the town rebound from the mill closure? Does Joe Pike retire from the ministry?

I loved your characters and think of them often. Thank you for your wonderful novels. Can't wait to read more.

-Kelly

I thought of the fumble as a big disappointment for the town, and in the Moseleys in particular. The Moseley family literally created the town, and for years has run pretty much everything. But under the surface is a lingering resentment. Wardell Dubarry expresses it succinctly with three words: "Those damn Moseleys." What happens after the end of the book, I'll leave to your imagination. I think it's more fun that way.