Jade’s Comments (group member since Jan 14, 2020)

Jade’s comments from the Let's Read Rant Repeat group.

November Book Club

Welcome Everyone!
Here is the discussion thread for Long Bright River.
Discussion questions will go up on the 16th.

Happy reading!

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The Water Dancer
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

1. Why do you think Coates uses terms like “Tasked” and “Quality” instead of “slaves” and “masters”? What do you think the novel gains from this altered language?

2. Hiram says that the Tasked are “Blessed, for we do not bear the weight of pretending pure.” How does Coates define morality in the novel? In what ways does Hiram’s notion of morality differ from that of the Quality, or even Corinne?

3. What do you make of Howell Walker’s apology? To what extent does Coates humanize Howell? Why do you think he does this?

4. What roles do the concepts of motherhood and fatherhood play in the novel? How does Hiram define family?

5. Sophia tells Hiram, “But what you must get, is that for me to be yours, I must never be yours.” What is Coates saying about the particular struggles of black women in this novel? How does Hiram’s relationship with Sophia change over time?

6. Characters like Corrine risk their lives to work for the Underground, while also allowing Hiram and some of its other members to come to harm for the greater good of the organization. What might Coates be trying to say about the relationship between white people and racial justice with these characters?

7. Discuss Harriet’s role in the story. Did you know immediately who she was? What impact does the inclusion of a historical figure have on the narrative?

8. What is the significance of water throughout the book? Why do you think Coates chooses it as the medium for Hiram’s power?

9. Coates is best known for his works of nonfiction; THE WATER DANCER is his first novel. Why do you think he chose to explore the themes of slavery and the Underground Railroad through fiction? What is gained when the book isn’t tethered to historical fact? What is lost?

10. What does THE WATER DANCER add to our understanding of how enslaved people suffered? What does the novel add to our understanding of the agency, resilience and strength of enslaved people during that time?

11. How are the themes of THE WATER DANCER relevant to modern discussions of race, privilege and power?

April Thread

Discussion is live on Instagram tonight at 7pm CST.

QUESTIONS:

1. LBR is listed as a Mystery/Thriller, but there are a lot of Family Drama elements to it. How did work for you? Especially with the theme around addiction?

2.How did you feel about this fiction book being based on a real place? Was the story believable? Do you know of anyone who has dealt with addiction in their lives?

3. Characters! Why do you think the sisters went down such separate roads? What affected their choices in life and what didn’t they have control over?

4. What did you think of the relationships between the characters?

5. Justice & the Police Department – How does Mickey’s views on her role and ethics compare to her colleagues, and how do those compare to you own experiences?

6. How does the community of Kensington work in this story? Think of the people Mickey interacts with and who helps who throughout the story.

7. There were several twists & turns, caused by mini mysteries in the story eg. Who is the Man looking for Mickey, what happened to Truman? Etc – Which side story reeled you in and why? Did any of these red herrings get you, and when did things click for you?

8. How was the writing style? Was this a page turner? What passages or moments stuck with you?

9. How was the ending? Were there any loose ends? Are you satisfied, upset or left with questions?

Share you final words/thoughts and overall feelings!

Welcome!

Feel free to introduce yourself here.

Welcome Everyone!
Here is the discussion thread for Long Bright River.
Discussion questions will go up on the 16th.

Happy reading!