Answer:
palm readings
Step-by-step explanation:
In Cannery Row, when Mack goes to question Doc about his birthday, he raises the topic of palm readings to get Doc to start talking. Mack suggests that palm readings can reveal important information about a person's life and personality. By bringing up this topic, Mack engages Doc's interest and curiosity, prompting him to share his own experiences and thoughts on the subject. This conversation serves as a way for Mack to connect with Doc and initiate a deeper conversation about Doc's birthday.