Each chapter in this historical fiction novel by Yaa Gyasi follows a different descendant of an Asante woman named Maame, starting with her two daughters, who are half sisters, separated by circumstance: Effia marries James Collins, the British governor in charge of Cape Coast Castle, while her half-sister Esi is held captive in the dungeons below. Subsequent chapters follow their children and following generations. Published in 2016.
Source for above: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homegoing_(Gyasi_novel)
"Yaa Gyasi's debut novel was informed by her own journey as a Ghanaian-American."
Source for above and Yaa Gyasi discusses her novel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wheQsYCDezE
See also this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0JhZUkRvKM
Join us to discuss this book. We'll share what stood out for us...what challenged us, what we learned, questions we have… whatever comes up. Come with a favorite passage from the book.
Only 8 can attend this so we can sit together and discuss this book at this restaurant. To save a spot for you, help us be prepared, and to communicate if there are changes in plans, registration is required. RSVP on our Meetup page (also go here to learn about our other events) or email the organizer (4change.resource@gmail.com). If your plans change, PLEASE let us know ASAP. Thank you!
- Parking is available on the street. Let us know your needs so we can help make the event accessible for you. Meeting location suggestions welcome.
Our book discussions so far:
- "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo
- "Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color" by Andrea J. Ritchie
- "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
- "You Have the Right to Remain Innocent" by James Duane
- "Neither Wolf Nor Dog, On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder" by Kent Nerburn
For Feb.:
- "White Trash. The 400-Year Untold History of Class" by Nancy Isenberg
- "On the Other Side of Freedom, The Case for Hope" by DeRay Mckesson
- "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo, PhD.
- "Unraveling the "Model Minority" Stereotype" by Stacey Lee
- "How to be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi
- "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
This group is a part of Boston Knapsack Anti-Racism Group.
Our book discussion group is now called: Antiracists Leaning Into Books (ALiB)
We have a lot to learn, and we do it better together.
All are welcome.