YAL // Stay Fat for Sarah Byrnes - Study Guide.

What is the headline for the first Crispy Pork Rinds?

"Sixteen years ago in history / Man with Brain the Size of Tic Tac Mates with Amoeba / Couple gives birth to giant adjusto; name him Dale"

What is an enigma, and why are Eric and Ellerby both enigmas?

An enigma is something or someone who is puzzling or hard to understand. They are both enigmas because they are hard to understand.

Why is Sarah in the hospital?

Because at the end of her class, she did not respond to anyone and she did not move.

Why did Sarah need to escape to the hospital?

Because her dad was going crazy again and she got the same feeling she had when he burned her.

What does Brittain say about Jody? Why is he saying this about her?

He says she is a pathological liar and he only stayed with her out of pity. He says this about her because he doesn't want Eric to believe anything she says in case she tells Eric something Brittain doesn't want him to know.

Why does Ellerby say we have to talk about the "quality of life"?

He says this because we need to look at the whole situation not just what we think about it or how we feel about it.

What does Mr. Byrnes do before he leaves Eric?

He stabs Eric in the shoulder.

How does Eric stand up for himself?

He stands up for himself by refusing to give them information on Sarah's whereabouts and then states that if needed he will involve his mom

While swimming, what game does Eric start to play against Brittain? Why?

He starts playing double-lap against Brittain. He does this to look good in front of Jody.

What did Eric DO for her?

He stayed fat for a whole year.

Why did Eric try to stay fat for her?

He stayed fat for her because he didn't want to lose her as a friend.

What does Eric talk to her about? What does the counselor suggest?

He talks about Crispy Pork Rinds. The counselor suggest that Eric talks about things that may help Sarah out of her situation.

Who is Jody Mueller?

Mark Brittain's girlfriend and Eric's crush.

Who visits Eric in the hospital here?

Mark Brittain.

How does the chapter end? Are you surprised?

Sarah Byrnes doesn't get on the train and gives into Lemry about staying and agrees to go. I'm not surprised because she is tired of hiding and she trusts Lemry.

Who is Eric's second visitor? What does the visitor say and how does Eric react?

Sarah Byrnes is his second visitor. She tells Eric that she is leaving, which Eric gets very upset about.

116. What does Lemry want to do with the Sarah situation? How does Sarah respond when Eric asks her?

She wants to talk with Sarah and help her. Sarah is angry and yells at him for telling Lemry.

What is the real Sarah Byrnes like?

She's a tough girl, someone you didn't want to upset.

What is an atheist?

Someone who does not believe in God.

What is the conflict between Ellerby and Mark Brittain?

The conflict is the about what happened at swim practice.

What is the class' current discussion?

The current discussion is if the world is a good place or a bad place.

What is the class' subtitle? What does it mean?

Accountability. It means the students will be held accountable for everything they say or do.

What scares Eric?

Admitting what is important to him.

What is Brittain's input? What do you think about his input?

Brittain belives abortion is murder and the mothers who do this will be punished in the afterlife. I think he is wrong about it.

What does Brittain say to the class?

Brittan confessed he was a liar and told everyone that what Jody said was true. He apologizes to Jody for everything he did.

Who visits Eric again in the hospital? What does he ask for?

Brittan visits Eric again. He asks Eric for advice on what he would to do about having to go back and face everybody.

What happens with Carver and Mr. Byrnes?

Carver breaks into Mr. Byrnes house and beats him up.

What does Carver explain about what he does?

Carver explains that this time he was a warrior for his own beliefs this time and what he did was to protect those that he loved.

What does Carver say in response to the news of the day? What does he reveal? Does this help Eric?

Carver tells Eric that his teacher is right it's not their fault that Mark tried to commit suicide. He reveals that his father committed suicide and he blamed himself for years. Yes, I think this helps Eric realize that he, Jody, Ellerby, and anyone else is not to blame for Mark's attempt and that it was because of personal problems.

What does Carver say about dating Jody? What does he reveal about dating Eric's mom? What does Eric think about Carver after this?

Carver thinks that Eric should take the chance and go out with her. He confesses to manipulating his way into her life by sending her previous boyfriend out of town for work. Eric thinks he may like Carver now.

What do we find out about Carver?

Carver was special forces for the military and did two rotations in Vietnam.

What kind of topics have come up in the last few weeks?

Child abuse, women's rights, and racism.

What does CAT stand for?

Contemporary American Thought.

How did Dale get in trouble?

Dale got in trouble because Mautz called his father about the chewing tobacco.

What are the answers that Dale provides? Does this help?

Dale says that Sarah thinks her mom went to Reno, Nevada because she always wanted to be a singer or dancer. Yes, this does help because if Sarah's mom really did try to follow her obsession, they could have a shot at finding her.

What does Dale tell Eric about Sarah's dad? What does Ellerby say about this information?

Dale tells Eric that he could tell Sarah's dad was abusing her. Ellerby thinks that guys like Dale don't lie.

Who is Elaine Murphy?

Elaine Murphy is a television host that interviews Carver when he is in jail.

What kind of faith do Ellerby and his dad have? How is it different from Brittain's?

Ellerby and his dad question their faith. Brittain doesn't and just believes and follows what he thinks is right because he doesn't want to be held accountable.

What are the points that Ellerby makes in his response?

Ellerby thinks the argument of Abortion can't happen without taking into consideration the quality of life. He points out if the parents' don/t want the child it may be treated poorly or if the parents are starving so will the child.

Who does Eric call to pick him up? What is he going to do?

Eric calls Lemry to pick him up so he can go after Sarah.

Where does Eric go for help? Who helps Eric in the end? Where is Eric in the end of the chapter?

Eric escapes to Dale's house. Dale and his father both help Eric. He is in an ambulance.

Is Eric a good friend? Why or why not?

Eric is a good friend because he will do anything to make sure Sarah is safe and okay no matter what even if it will cost him her friendship.

How does Eric feel about this occurrence?

Eric is upset and realizes how lucky he is to have his mom.

How does Eric feel about Carver now?

Eric respects Carver.

What does Eric think about Ellerby's dad? How does Ellerby respond? What do you think of Ellerby's dad?

Eric thinks Ellerby's dad is heavy, meaning deep or intense. Ellerby agrees with Eric. I agree that his dad is intense.

Why does Eric go to visit Dale Thornton? What are his impressions of this place?

Eric visits Dale because he wanted to find out if what Dale said about Sarah's burns was true and that if it was her dad that caused them. Eric was surprised to see how organized Dale's garage was compared to everything else at his home.

What significant event occurs at the start of this chapter?

Eric visits Sarah again and she talks to him for the first time since she's been in the hospital.

How does Eric's mom react to him going out with Jody? What does she say?

Eric's mom is suspicious of them dating. She said that worried that it's for the wrong reasons and that Jody is using him or vice versa.

Who is Lemry?

Eric's swim coach and teacher.

How do Eric and Ellerby react?

Erllerby calls his dad and then tells Mautz they plead the fifth until his dad gets to the school.

How has she changed her mind about things?

Ever since being in the hospital she realized that she is not the only person who hurts and she isn't someone who hurts the most.

Who does Mautz bring in to question Eric?

He brings in Mr. Byrnes.

What do we know about her mom?

If she had not married Sarah's dad, she would have become a singer or dancer.

Why does Eric bring up Dale Thornton? What happened one day that really got to Sarah?

He brings up Dale because he was explaining to his mother about what the counselor said and how he asked if Sarah had any other friends and Dale was the only other one Eric could think of. Dale told Sarah that he didn't believe her story about the pot of spaghetti.

What does Eric do to Brittain at practice? What does Lemry say?

He doesn't taunt him at practice, he just beats him. Lemry tells Eric to keep doing what he's doing and that she agrees with Mautz that Eric should ease up on Brittain.

Where does Eric feel in control?

He feels in control when he is swimming.

Why do you think Ellerby has a problem with religion?

He feels religion is being misinterpreted or misunderstood.

Why does Brittain want to transfer out of Lemry's class?

He feels the class material is not cut out for him.

What does Eric give Jody?

He gives her a fake phone number as a joke and she later gives him a note saying it did not have enough numbers to be real and told him to advise it meaning she wanted his real phone number.

How does Eric respond to Brittain? How does Lemry respond?

He goes off and tells Brittain how much of a cold-hearted person he is. Lemry tries to stop the discussion for the day but then lets Eric and Brittain continue talking about it together in the class while the others listen.

Why does Eric go to Lemry?

He goes to Lemry because he needs someone smarter than him and Sarah to keep Sarah safe from her dad.

Where does Eric go to think?

He goes to his bedroom.

How does Eric have to lie to Sarah's dad?

He has to look her dad in the eyes and lie about her not talking.

Who is Ellerby?

He is Eric's friend and teammate on the swim team. He is also a son of a preacher.

What is Mark Brittain like? Why doesn't he like Ellerby's car?

He is a competitive swimmer who is very opinionated when it comes to religion. He doesn't like Ellerby's car because he feels it is a poor representation of his religion.

Why is Brittain such a hypocrite?

He is a hypocrite because he made Jody get an abortion but in Lemry's class he was talking about how against it he was.

Describe Virgil Byrnes. What kind of man is he?

He is a scary and mean man and he is neglectful towards others.

Why is Eric so angry at Sarah?

He is angry because her being in the hospital scared him. He is also angry because the whole time he thought Sarah did not understand him when he visited but she did.

Why is Ellerby's chosen subject SHAME?

He is ashamed of himself for not being more accepting of Sarah Byrnes.

How is he different from his dad?

He is better looking than his dad and has a better sense of humor.

Who is Sam?

He is one of Sarah's physicians/therapists.

What are Eric's feelings on Sarah at this moment? How does Lemry respond?

He is scared of her. Lemry tried to be positive and said this could be Sarah's way of taking a vacation.

Who is Mautz, and what is he like?

He is the school vice-principle and he is very strict and mean.

What is Mautz trying to insinuate?

He is trying to blame Eric, Jody, and Ellerby for Mark's attempt at suicide.

Why was Eric totally wrong about Jody?

He is wrong because he realizes she isn't anything like Brittain.

How has Dale changed?

He isn't mean or a bully anymore.

Who is Dale Thornton? How is he connected to Crispy Pork Rinds?

He keeps getting held back and the teachers try to pass him but his father keeps him back until he learns. He is also older than the other kids and he is a bully. He inspired Crispy Pork Rinds.

Where does Eric keep the note from Jody? What does he think he should have done?

He keeps it locked in his headboard above his bed. He thinks he should have acted quickly and replied right away.

What important information does Dale know?

He knows that Sarah's dad burned her face on a wood stove. He knows this because Sarah told him.

How does Eric lie to Sarah and why?

He lies by pretending he thought her burns came from the spaghetti and he doesn't tell her that he already learned her dad burned her on purpose from Dale. He does this because he wants to make Sarah believe Dale didn't tell him anything and he'd rather have her think he was a liar than think Dale was.

What kind of music does Eric like and why?

He likes what we call Oldies Music; music that is from 1956 through 1975. He likes this music because his mom made him buy CDs from those years and it got him hooked.

What does Eric attempt to do for Sarah? Why?

He refused to accept invites if people were not okay if Sarah came with him. He did this because that was his new way of "staying fat" for her.

What does Ellerby say at the end of the chapter?

He says he will no longer be doing his report on shame because he could never top what had just happened in class.

Why does Eric say that maybe Dale can help?

He says maybe Dale can help because he was somewhat of a friend to Sarah in the end.

Who does Eric talk to at the end of the chapter? What does he say? How does Eric respond? How does he feel?

He talks to Sarah's dad. Her dad demands Eric tell him where Sarah his or he threatens to skin Eric alive if he doesn't. Eric tells him that he hasn't seen or spoken to Sarah since before she left the hospital. Eric is scared and tells Sarah's dad he will call the cops but Sarah's dad laughs and tells Eric to do so.

How does Mautz react?

He tells Lemry that he expects her to have control over her class.

What advice does Eric give?

He tells Mark to be truthful.

How does Eric try to get Sarah to respond?

He tries to get Sarah to respond by telling her about seeing Dale and talking about what he said about Sarah's dad abusing her.

What does Mr. Byrnes say to Eric?

He wants Eric to tell him if Sarah says anything to him.

What does Eric want in the end of the chapter? Why do you think he wants this?

He wants everything to be simple but it can't be. He wants this because he just wants to have a normal a teenage life where he can hang out with his friends and date and have swim practice but he can't because of everything going on in Sarah's life and he wants to help her get through it.

What does Mautz want with Eric? What happens while he is there? What is Mautz's trying to do?

He wants to talk with Eric. He tries to get information about Lemry's CAT class and trying to find out why Eric is trying to humiliate Brittain when Eric isn't trying to do that. He is trying to find a way to cause trouble with Lemry and her class.

What does Eric go to ask Dale about? Why?

He went to ask Dale about Sarah's mom because he wanted to know if Sarah told Dale him anything about her. He asks Dale because he is trying to find her.

Why won't he let others see his emotions?

He won't show others his emotions because he spent years being embarrassed by the way he looked.

Who is the latest boyfriend of Eric's mom? What does Eric think of him so far?

Her latest boyfriend is Carver Middleton and Eric isn't sure what to think of him yet.

What happened to Sarah's mom?

Her mom is gone and Sarah hasn't heard from her since.

What happened in Ellerby's family that made things with his father so rough?

His brother died.

What is Eric's nickname and why?

His nickname is Moby because he is big and is a swimmer.

What DEAL does Sarah Byrnes strike with Dale?

If Dale protects Sarah and Eric, they won't mention his name in Crispy Pork Rinds again and he can work on the newspaper with them.

Exactly what is Crispy Pork Rinds?

It is a newspaper created by Sarah and Eric. The meaning behind its name is that Sarah Byrnes is Crispy, Eric is Pork, and Rinds are whatever is left and the stuff no one pays attention to.

What does an ASTERISK mean on the swim schedule?

It means a special workout or an intense practice.

What happens to Crispy Pork Rinds? Why?

It only had one more publication because of the argument between Sarah and Dale.

What is the story of the kid who wouldn't speak and how does it connect to Ellerby?

It's a story about a boy who didn't speak until something was wrong. It connects to Ellerby because he didn't speak until he felt something was wrong and he needed to speak up about it.

What is the class called that Eric is in at the beginning of the chapter? What is a prerequisite to being in the class?

It's called Contemporary American Thought and the prerequisite is you must be a second semester senior willing to examine your beliefs.

What happens at the end of the chapter with Jody and Eric?

Jody approaches Eric about him not responding to her note and they plan to meet up after Eric's swim practice.

How does Lemry take it? What story does Lemry relate to this story? Why?

Lemry is worried that Sarah will run or try to hurt herself. She relates this to her story about her in little league because she too realized, like Sarah, she didn't fit in no matter how hard she tried.

Why does Lemry sign Brittain's card but not Jody's?

Lemry signs Brittain's card because he has a legitimate reason for wanting to drop the class but Jody wants to drop the class just because Brittain is.

How does Lemry react? Is she right or wrong?

Lemry stands up for herself and the class to Mautz. She is right because no one other than Brittan is responsible for the decision he made.

What does Lemry say to the class?

Lemry tells the class that suicide is personal and no one is to blame except Mark and she doesn't want anyone leaving her classroom without understanding that.

How do the stakes go up in class? How do you feel about the news that Mautz shares with the class?

Mauntz came into the class and told the students that Brittain tried to commit suicide and looking to punished those he thinks caused this to happen. I feel that Brittain trying to commit suicide was a cry for help, he was too scared to ask for it any other way.

Why was Mautz happy that Dale beat up Eric in response to the newspaper article?

Mautz is happy because Eric getting beat up was the punishment Mautz wished he could have done.

How does Mautz react?

Mautz tries to stop Brittan but he walks out of school anyway.

What surprise does Eric finding his car? How did this make you feel?

Mr Byrnes is waiting for him in his car. It scares me.

Why does Mr. Brittain come to meet with Ellerby and Eric?

Mr. Brittan comes to tell them that he doesn't hold them responsible for Marks suicide attempt.

Describe the events. Who gets hurt? Who survives? What are some of the survival techniques used?

Mr. Byrnes has Eric drive them to the park where he tries to force Eric into telling him where Sarah is. Instead of stopping at the park Eric keeps going and speeds up then slams on his breaks to throw Mr. Byrnes into the windshield and he jumps out of the car to escape. Eric gets hurt from his face getting cut and his shoulder stabbed. Both Eric and Mr. Byrnes survive. Eric uses an alley where he can behind covers, he screams to try to wake the neighbors, and he defends himself when he got caught.

How do Mautz and Reverend Ellerby disagree about church and state?

Mr. Ellerby believes the church and state should be separate whereas Mautz doesn't.

What is Reverend Ellerby like?

Mr. Ellerby is very open minded when it comes to beliefs but he is firm and isn't afraid to push back when someone questions his beliefs and tries to blame his son for something that did not occur.

Who went to visit Brittain that day? Why?

Mr. Ellerby went to see Brittan. He offered to talk with Mark and teach him other prospective on Christianity.

Does Eric have a problem with religion?

No, he does not. He is open to all religion.

What are Sarah Brynes and Lemry talking about? What is their plan for the next 3 days? How does Eric feel about this situation?

Sarah and Lemry are having a discussion on risk taking. They are planning a road trip to Reno to find Sarah's mother. Eric is confused at first but then when he sees how clam Sarah is about it, he is okay with it.

What is the flashback in this chapter?

Sarah brings Dale to Eric's house to discuss a deal she is proposing.

How does Sarah take this news?

Sarah got quiet after her mom refused.

Eric remembers back to when the first edition of Crispy Pork Rinds came out and he was scared of Dale going after him...what do Eric & Sarah do in order to get away from Dale? Does it work? What happens?

Sarah tries to sneak Eric out in a box. It doesn't work and Dale beats up Eric.

What REALLY happened to Sarah?

Sarah's dad held her face down on a wood stove after she tried to help her mom from his abuse.

What happens with Sarah Byrnes in this chapter? How does Eric react?

Sarah's father is at the hospital and threatens to take her home and demands she snap out of it. He stands back and watches not sure what to do knowing he will get hurt if he interferes.

Who is the only person who can help them?

Sarah's mom.

Why does Sarah claim she is behaving this way?

She claims that she needed some time off from everything.

How does she confront Mautz?

She confronts him by reminding him that he has never spoken to or confronted her, he always had others do it for him.

How does Sarah confront Brittain?

She confronts him by telling him to look at her and asking him if he would choose to live like she is.

How does Eric's mom describe him?

She describes him as "big and solid".

How does Sarah react to her father?

She doesn't react to her father in the hospital

Why does Sarah feel she cannot call the police?

She doesn't think she can tell the police because of how long it has been since she was burned.

Why does Sarah feel so strongly about Jody's relationship with Eric and the fact that Jody had an abortion?

She feels strongly about it because she is afraid that her friendship with Eric will go away. She feels strongly about Jody's abortion because she feels like she should have been one.

Where has Sarah been living and for how long?

She has been living in an apartment above Lemry's garage for 3 days.

Why is Sarah always so "tough" or "funny"?

She has to be tough or funny because if she isn't, she remembers that she is not okay and it makes her upset.

Who is Sarah Byrnes and where is she when Eric sees her?

She is Eric's best friend and she is in Sacred Heart Hospital in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit.

How is Sarah Byrnes at this point? Has her condition changed?

She is still the same. No, her condition did not change, she still does not respond.

Why was Sarah always friends with Eric?

She kept him around because he saved her.

What does Eric's mom like to do?

She likes to write.

Why/how does Sarah make it difficult for people to help her?

She makes it difficult for people to help her because she doesn't know who she can trust.

How does Sarah Brynes respond to Dale Thornton's request? What does this say about her?

She refused to give him what he wanted and instead told him to just take it. This says she is a strong person and she is not willing to give into being bullied.

What does Sarah reveal in the notebook?

She reveals that she was going to kill herself and went to the hospital so she could determine if she could do it or not.

What does Sarah Brynes say about pain? Why is this significant?

She says that when your body can't take anymore, it stops feeling. I think this is significant because like your friends, it will protect you.

What kind of dreams has Sarah had?

She started having dreams about when her mom was still around and that she was pretty.

How does Jody react? How does the class react to the news?

She starts crying and blames herself for what Mark did. The class is shocked about the news.

How does Jody interrupt?

She tells Brittain to shut his mouth and then tells the class about her abortion of her and Mark's baby.

What important news does Jody share with Eric? Why does she tell him?

She tells him she had an abortion. She tells him this because she trusts him not to treat her differently.

What is the point of view of the story? (from whose point of view is the story told?)

The story is in first person point of view and it's told from Eric Calhoune's point of view.

What is the "topic of choice" in Lemry's class? What are her guidelines?

The topic of choice is abortion. Her guidelines are they control themselves, if she feels they are being disrespectful in any way she will remove them from the discussion until they calm down.

What is the conversation between Eric and Lemry? What is Lemry's advice?

Their conversation is about Eric possibly dating Jody. Lemry tells him if he does it to do it without the "fanfare."

What is the protagonist's family like?

They are a broken family; a caring mom and no dad.

What are they arguing about in Lemry's class?

They are arguing about abortion and all life being precious.

Who are they going to make friend with? Can you think of why they would do that?

They are going to make friends with Dale. I think they are doing this to stop Mautz.

How is their relationship now changed?

They are now friends and may be in a relationship.

What happens between Dale and Sarah? What does their conversation reveal?

They argue about Sarah's scars again. It reveals that Sarah's home life may be as bad as Dale's.

Why did Dale and Sarah become friends?

They become friends because Sarah was mad at Eric for becoming a jock.

What begins to happen to Sarah and Eric? Why are they spending less time together?

They begin to drift apart. Eric's swimming took up most of his time and Sarah started hanging out with Dale.

What do Dale and Ellerby have in common?

They both work on cars and have the same car.

What method of communication did Sarah and Eric have to set up at the hospital?

They communicate by Sarah squeezing Eric's hand. 1 squeeze for 'yes', 2 for 'no', and 3 for 'I don't know'.

What kind of relationship do Eric and his mother have?

They have a close relationship, they are friends.

How do Ellerby and Eric get Sarah to Lemry's?

They hide her in the backseat of Ellerby's car.

What information do we find out about Sarah's mom? Describe the events.

We find out Sarah's mom won't help her at all. Her mom tried to run away from her, when they caught her she agreed to talk and her and Sarah fought then she refused to help her.

Where do Sarah's burns come from?

When she was three, she pulled a pot of spaghetti off the stove and it spilled all over her.

Does Eric tell Mr. Byrnes where Sarah is?

Yes

Do you agree with how Lemry is helping?

Yes, because sometimes rules or laws aren't always what is best for those involved.

Does Sarah's dad visit her?

Yes, he visited her twice.

Do Eric and Sarah continue making editions of Crispy Pork Rinds? Who seems to be the driving force behind it?

Yes, they continue making editions of Crispy Pork Rinds. Sarah seems to be the driving force behind it.