How does Gifty feel when she overhears congregants gossiping about her family? How does this experience influence her relationship with the church? With her family? With God?

Gifty questions her faith and on page 128 she remarks, “We read the Bible how we want to read it. It doesn’t change, but we do.” What do you think she’s saying here?

What kind of drug/medication was Nana addicted to and how did he get hooked on it?

Do you think Gifty understood her brother more through her research?

What university is Gifty going to?

What did you think about the ending?

The family lives in Huntsville, Alabama and they experience racism and discrimination. Let’s discuss the family’s experience in this small town.

In what ways does Gifty take on the role of caretaker for those in her life? Who, if anyone, takes care of Gifty?

Nana first played soccer but eventually moved to basketball. What was behind his decision to change sports?

What are some of the themes/topics of this book?

How did the separate events of losing the Chin Chin Man and Nana’s death affect Gifty's relationship with her mother?