The Parentals
Nurturing and Basic Needs
Civil began to nurture Erica and India almost immediately, by taking care of their basic needs… although all of Civil’s basic needs were always met, she lacked consistent emotional nurturing from her mother. What role, if any, do you think that may have played in her nurturing the girls?
"Take My Hand"
The phrase “Take My Hand” evokes a sense of connection, support, and guidance. In the context of the novel, it reflects the need for empathy and solidarity, particularly for Black girls and women who have historically been mistreated and lacked protection. Do you think the title is justified? If yes, discuss why. If no, suggest a better title.
White Savior
Lou Feldman - the lawyer, the husband, the father. Hope dealer to hero?
1973
Dolen Perkins-Valdez uses her writing style to create a vivid and authentic atmosphere of Montgomery in 1973. She includes specific details that evoke the time and place, such as the sounds of ice cream trucks in summer, the drawl of a Southern judge, and the music of Booker T. and the M.G.’s on the record player. How did these details immerse you in the setting of the 70s? Did you feel that you were experiencing the events and images of that particular time period firsthand?
Civil
Civil Townsend, the protagonist of the novel, is a complex character whose personal history and chaotic life deeply influence her perspective and actions. Her own past experiences and struggles make her more empathetic towards the Williams family, whom she comes to love and feel responsible for. What is your take on this character representing the intersection of personal growth, historical context, and the responsibility to protect and advocate for others?
Daddy's Girls
Discuss the relationships between:
Mace/India and Erica
Dr. Townsend/Civil
Mr. Ralsey/Civil
This Will Be "An Everlasting Love"
Ty Ralsey and Civil remained connected despite the trauma that they endured with the abortion- they bonded over the legal fight for the girls. When Civil visited him and went back to him as the story ended, readers are left wondering what will become of their relationship. Do you think Civil and Tyrell missed out on the love of their lives?
Savior or Advocate?
The ideas of being a savior and being an advocate are important themes in the book. Who in your mind was a savior? Who in your mind was an advocate? What are examples of ways these roles are different?
Could more progress have been made for blacks in poverty if the classism in the black community wasn’t so prevalent? Despite the collective struggle of blacks for basic rights, if educated blacks had been more service-minded, could that have been the hope that would have prevented experimentation on our people?
Stay at Home
Civil’s “stay at home” mom had untreated depression, withdrew into painting and was not a nurturing mother- Her dad was a busy, well-respected doctor who made sure Civil’s basic needs were met- They belonged to the Links & Boule’ How did “keeping up appearances” impact Civil’s family dynamics?
Complicated Mamas
Mrs. Townsend*Alicia's mama*Grandmother Williams*Mrs. Ralsey*Nurse Segar*Civil*Aunt Ros*Other mothers who coerced
Sitting on the Dock of the Bay
Let's talk about Mace! He might be considered a dynamic character - one who changes over the course of the story; one who might evolve to become better or wiser.
Good intentions, Good deeds
So many people in this novel have good intentions—even Mrs. Seager be lieves she is doing what’s right. What are the dangers of good intentions? What responsibility do we have for the fallout of our “good deeds”?
Medical ethics
History repeats what we don’t remember. With infamous cases like the Tuskegee syphilis experiment and the use of Henrietta Lacks’s cells without her knowledge, what do you think is the importance of medical ethics in today’s society?
"The Weary Blues"
https://poets.org/poem/weary-blues
Just as Langston Hughes wrote in "The Weary Blues", "the blues"/depression are real! What role did they play in the different characters' lives? How did cultural identity influence the blues/depression symptoms?
"A house with an open bible is a blessed house"
Psalm 127.3 "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." reminds us that children are a precious gift from God.
Describe Mrs. Williams character as a: widow, mother, grandmother, and later new wife who is entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing and raising her children and grandchildren.
"Neither One of Us"
Do you think Civil was truly attracted to Mace Williams, or do you think it was a product of Civil’s romantic notion of what a hero is?
Apology Tour
What do you think Civil really hoped to gain from the "Apology Tour"? What was accomplished? Did it cause harm at the stops along the way?
The narrative contributes to our understanding of historical injustices related to reproductive health by shedding light on real-life incidents of forced sterilization and coercion, revealing the systemic issues that disproportionately affected poor, Black, and disabled women. What are your thoughts on this issue, particularly its impact on marginalized communities?
Oh, to be dignified...
Civil recounts, “Our little family managed to live dignified in undignified times. Daddy shined his shoes every morning. Mama wore ear rings. These little acts might seem simple to you, but baby, let me tell you. They held back the storm.” What is the significance of living “dignified” for both the Townsend and the Williams families?
The Return
Imagine Civil having a conversation with her daughter upon her return from her trip; if there were a second or alternative epilogue… what connections might the daughter have made between Civil’s experiences and how she was raised?
Thomas Dorsey
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand" is a hymn written by Thomas Dorsey in 1932 with music by George Allen. The lyrics of this hymn call out to the Lord for guidance and strength through difficult times. If you could choose to to be a support and strength to any character in the novel, who would it be and why?
No Dirty Hands
Civil believed that her dad “didn’t want to get his hands dirty” by going out into the community to serve the poor blacks, and that’s what Civil wanted to do…. What would qualify educated blacks as heroes? Did it require the level of involvement that Civil and company had in the Williams’ lives?
Eugenics, Eugenics, Eugenics
Let's talk about it...
Trust and Dependence
Overall, what is the relationship of trust and dependence throughout the novel? How can WE, as a Sorority, use our Programmatic Thrusts to implore young black females with self-identity, trust, independence and more?