Questions About That Kind of Mother

by Rumaan Alam (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (2)

I listened to the audio and I could have sworn that at one point in the book, Bill Clinton is referred to as a black man? Did I hear wrong?

Susie Stein I read the same thing and went back to read it again....very strange!

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I found the relationship between Cheryl and Rebecca to be confusing. I didn't understand why Cheryl was angry with Rebecca. Was it more than the fact that Rebecca was so clueless concerning the unique demands on black males in our country?

Coral Ward I'm just guessing and I think you have answered the question yourself in part. Yes, Rebecca was fairly clueless regarding the everyday existence and c…moreI'm just guessing and I think you have answered the question yourself in part. Yes, Rebecca was fairly clueless regarding the everyday existence and challenges of a black person in the USA. Cheryl and Ian get really angry with her in the conversation about growing up a black male and tell her she wasn't listening. "And you don't even see me". I think it was the frustration of that lack of awareness. Also Cheryl explains part of her anger in the end as she says how she is not perfect and has her own demons. Cheryl is still dealing with loss of family and Rebecca hasn't appreciated that enough in her desire to have Andrew Why did Rebecca never go to to Cheryl's house? What does that say about Rebecca, how could she not realise that was wrong, it indicates something very insensitive about her. I think the power imbalance due to the status of being black was not understood by Rebecca and Cheryl was very angry about that. But as I said, I'm only guessing. Love to hear what other people thought.(less)

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