Reader's Choice Book Club--Frisco Public Library discussion

Discussion Questions: Where We Come From by Oscar Cásares

1. In the title, who is “We?” Who is included in that word? And are they coming from a place or a state of mind? People who are coming from somewhere are going somewhere. Where is that? *

2. Nina has given up her own house and career to care for her mother. Later, she seems to be manipulated into hiding illegal aliens on her mother’s property. Nina slowly realizes she must help her illegal guests by providing more food and amenities to relieve the harshness of their condition. What do you think of Nina? Do you have any mixed feelings about her? *

3. Many of the Latino families presented in the book are North American success stories. Family members have successful careers and stable, happy lives. Why can’t these families have found that success south of the border? Or could they have, and it doesn’t matter what side of the border they’re on? *

4. What scene is the most pivotal for the book? How do you think the story would have changed had that scene not taken place?

5. What part of the book resonates most with you in either a positive or negative way? Why?

6. Who is your favorite character? Least favorite? Why?

7. Were there any moments where you disagreed with the choices of any of the characters? What would you have done differently?

8. What surprised you the most about the book?

9. Do you think the ending was fitting to the story? How would you change it?

10. How do the characters evolve by the end of the book?

11. Have any of YOUR views or thoughts changed after reading this book? What did you learn from, take away from, or get out of this story?

12. Citizens in many countries say illegal immigration is their number one problem and that their countries are “full.” Why not open all the borders and let people go where they want? Would that really be worse than what we have now? *

13. What did you think of the structure and style of the writing in this book?

*Questions based on reviewer Dennis Haritou

Reader's Choice members are meeting in Zoom on October 27 at 7:00 pm.

Join the discussion online: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73500306832...

Meeting ID: 735 0030 6832
Passcode: Choice2020