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And a wrap-up of Homegoing

Homegoing Wrap-up

Can scars be inherited?

Books & Banter meeting #2 about Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi was a huge success—discussions about generational trauma, privilege, systemic racism etc were epic and memorable, and turnout was bomb. Thank you all for coming and sharing your insights!

Most impactful story: H

Hardest story to read: Ness

Only character to live authentically: James

Next Book Club Pick

I thought it would be fun to get your input! Both of these books were five star reads for me and both are much lighter than Homegoing because I thought ya’ll needed a little break. ;)

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang - Awesome suggestion by Sonal! I love reading because it is a practice in empathy—like putting yourself in the shoes of an addict and really understanding their perspective. But this book takes that whole premise and subverts it in such a thought-provoking way. You are supposed to hate the narrator—a white woman who steals the unpublished manuscript of her Asian friend who passes away, and publishes it as her own. But you find yourself rooting for her at times only to remember, no, I actually hate her.

Ît’s pretty gripping, super fast paced and will give us plenty to discuss about cultural appropriation, cancel culture and who is allowed to tell what story.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman - this book breaks my one rule of only BIPOC authors but he is one of my absolute favorites and this is less of a hot-button-issue novel which might bring in more readers . This is an equally heartwarming and heart wrenching story about a small town in Sweden where the people ride or die for their local high school hockey team. The story focuses on the players, the coaches, their families and all the drama. It gives Friday Night Lights vibes for sure.

Backman’s original writing style makes for the most moving character development and unforgettable plot lines. Some of these characters will just bury into your heart and live there forever. We’ll have a few topics to discuss about race, class and gender and more generally like your favorite character, favorite scene etc.

Thanks for your help!! Btw, stream The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift! It’s not an album of bangers but it’s more reflective. It’s dark, fatalistic, unhinged, haunting and just dazzling. ✌🏽