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/work towards a better future.
In what way is Raynah a change agent?
She is an activist; her museum, mentoring, etc.
Who said, "“There were things he/she knew they’d had no instruction on – growing up poor, being married, raising kids – but it was life; like anyone else, she got by."
-Justine. She states this in part one when mentioning she redirected her life to the quiet suburbs, to make Wesley happy, etc
-She also states that she didn't receive instruction on how to be widow.
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 fro 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 Topics that are present in Bone Broth.
-Classism
-Racism
-LGBTQIA+
In what was was Justine a change agent?
-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 yu're in a hurry
-Keep your hands where everyone can see them.
Who is Pinch?
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 a change agent?
-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?
Leads the grief support group, becomes romantically involved with Justine.
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 her own, and for 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"?
-To show that it can occur in different ways; that anyone 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."
Who is Claire?
Raynah's mentee; Mizzoui student; activist
What makes Justine proud as she and Raynah watch tv together?
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?
-Pruitt-Igoe
-VP Fair
-Delmar Divide
-White flight into North county
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In what way is Lois a change agent?
-By helping black people with their dream of home ownership changing communities through real estate
-By moving into a higher socioeconomic class
-Agreeing to coparent with Ahmad.
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?
Lois' "friend"; demonstrates privilege, class, microagressions, etc.