Questions About The Nickel Boys

by Colson Whitehead (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (19)

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Lisa Williams He was a black boy in the Jim Crow South. No further explanation needed. There would not have been any opportunity for anyone to stand up for him, nor…moreHe was a black boy in the Jim Crow South. No further explanation needed. There would not have been any opportunity for anyone to stand up for him, nor would they even try to get involved. If you have to ask this question, you probably aren't going to "get" the story at all.(less)

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Are the scenes of sexual abuse graphic in nature, or is it just mentioned, as in that these acts were occurring but not much detail is given?

Amber It is just mentioned, thankfully. The physical abuse has more detail, but not in an exploitative or overly graphic way.

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In the very last paragraph in the book, a character is referenced who now owns the diner (Blondie's) who used to read comic books at the Nickel institute. Which character is the author referring to?

Kirbyp Agree with the other answers that this passage refers to Elwood reading there while his grandmother worked. I wanted to add that it is especially poig…moreAgree with the other answers that this passage refers to Elwood reading there while his grandmother worked. I wanted to add that it is especially poignant because (as per the earlier chapters) after the hotel was desegregated, the younger Elwood would look in the restaurant every day to see if there were any black patrons there yet, and each time he was disappointed to see that, despite the new rules, there weren't. (less)

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Nancy Malangoni

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Do you have to read The Underground Railroad before reading this book?

Taylor Nope! These aren't a series or anything, just written by the same author.…moreNope! These aren't a series or anything, just written by the same author.(less)

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