April Book Club
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Here are some questions to consider while you read The Vanishing Half:
Consider the various forces that shape the twins into the people they become, and the forces that later shape their respective daughters. In the creation of an individual identity or sense of self, how much influence comes from upbringing, geography, race, gender, class, education? Which of these are mutable, and why? Have you ever taken on or discarded aspects of your own identity?
Compare and contrast the love relationships in the novel—Desiree and Early, Stella and Blake, Reese and Jude. What are the characters’ separate relationships with the truth? How much does telling the truth or obscuring it play a part in the functioning of a relationship? How much does the past matter in each case?
Consider the distinction among performance, reinvention, and transformation in respect to the various characters in the book. What is Bennett saying about the roles we play in this world?
What will you take with you from reading The Vanishing Half? Will you continue to consider the issues that were explored? How do these issues or the struggles of these characters apply to your own situation?
If you want to take it a step further and really engage with the content, use these questions as journal prompts! You can also just write about whatever comments or thoughts you have as you read :)
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At this link, you can see questions and reviews for the book, and engage in community discussion. If you want to track your reading progress this year, make a Goodreads account and start by adding this book to your list!
Find a library near you and check out this book to get started. Happy reading!
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