Bone Broth: Part 4
What does Justine bring Raynah as a peace offering?
A Bowl of Bone Broth.
On what kind of note does the text end; what is a theme that is hinted at for the future.
-Hope, change, progress, trying to make a difference, working towards a better future.
In what way is Raynah building a legacy? For what will she be known?
She is an activist; she's has founded a museum, she is a mentor, etc.
What did Justine's children call their father?
Sir
Who is Bev? What is her purpose in the book?
Bev is Justine's best friend. She is a confidant, share's Justine's history, etc.
What does Rich do, that Justine reflects on seeing for the first time in over 60 years?
He cries openly in front of her. She states, "it seemed they (men) were all too busy working, hardening, surviving”
List at least two Tunnel of Conciousness Topics that are present in Bone Broth.
-Classism/Socioeconomic Status
-Racism
-LGBTQIA+
In what was has Justine built a legacy? For what will she be known?
-Her past involvement in activism efforts.
-Raising three successful children
Lois says, “Like every mother, she was afraid the world would crush him under its biased corruptible thumb.” Therefore, she taught her son lessons to survive; Name at least two of the lessons.
-Avoid Dark Colors
-Hoods/Caps cause trouble
-Don't stare at anyone too long
-Hold your chest in, son
-Try not to take up so much space
-Never run; walk fast if you're in a hurry
-Keep your hands where everyone can see them.
Who is Pinch? How does she help a main character/what does she add to the book and its themes?
Raynah's friend; Gives her a lead on a job, works as a bartender.
Justine finally admits to having been involved in the Civil Rights Movement. What prompted her involvement?
She was angry and upset about Pruitt-Igoe being torn down.
Grief/Loss is one of the major themes of this book. List three ways in which the characters are grieving.
-The loss of community/destruction of Pruitt-Igoe
-The loss of a family members (Sir, Quentin)
-The loss of life at the hands of police; civil unrest in the community
-The loss of relationships, both romantic and friendly
-The loss/lack of involvement/purpose
In what way is Theo building a legacy? For what will he be known?
-Through politics. He says, "Politics in its purest form, was all about moving forward and building better futures."
Who mentions neighborhoods being "too black" for her family member and others in the area?
Raynah - She accuses Lois, newscasters, and the white community of this.
Who is Rich? How does he help a main character/what does she add to the book and its themes?
Leads the grief support group, becomes romantically involved with Justine and is a support system to her. He widens Justine's perspective/world view.
Justine finally admits to having been involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Why did she quit/get out of it?
Justine ended her involvement in the movement for she and her family's safety.
Community & Relationships are two of the major themes of this book. What are two different types of relationships we observe in the book? How do they affect the characters?
-Family, generational relationships
-Romantic Relationships
-Friendships
-Neighborhoods
-Cities
-Race
-Church
-Social Groups
Why do you think the author mentions the Bay are and St. Louis in regards to the theme of "activism" and "legacy"?
-To show that it can occur in different ways; that anyone or even any place can make change in their own way...sometimes it is "loud"/at the forefront of conversations and sometimes it is hidden or happening undercover.
Who says, "we were different shades of the same cowardice. Regardless of how different their public lives were, they both worked hard to maintain the straight-laced prestige they had scrupulously built."
Theo when comparing himself to Alex; this is in reference to hiding his bisexuality, to not being publicly open for fear of it damaging his political career. This comes about when Alex alludes to Theo's sexuality in his book.
Who is Claire? How does she help a main character/what does she add to the book and its themes?
She is Raynah's mentee who works in the museum. She is a Mizzoui student and an activist. She gives Raynah hope for the future, but also serves as an example of how exhausting working for social justice can be.
What makes Justine proud as she and Raynah watch tv together?
Justine is proud that Raynah is a mentor to one of the student protestors; that she is making a difference towards a hopeful future.
St. Louis' history of racism is a key theme in the book. What are some of the events/issues mentioned?
-The rise and then destruction of Pruitt-Igoe
-VP Fair
-Delmar Divide
-White flight into North county
-Police Brutality
In what way is Lois building a legacy? For what will she be known?
-By helping black people with their dream of home ownership changing communities through real estate
-By moving into a higher socioeconomic class
-For agreeing to coparent with Ahmad; providing their child a better chance at a bright future.
Who says, "A black girl from the projects in 1970s St. Louis couldn't stand a chance against the powers that be.
Justine when explaining to Raynah why she stopped her activism efforts.
Who is Dawn? How does she help a main character/what does she add to the book and its themes?
Dawn is Lois' "friend". She demonstrates the racial and economic divide within St. Louis communities. She is an example of privilege, class, microagressions, etc.