Cait’s Comments (group member since Jan 31, 2017)

Cait’s comments from the Around the World in 80 Books group.

Farah references the generational gap between Loyaan, Soyaan, and their father Keynaan multiple times. What do you think is the biggest difference between these generations, and how do these differences affect events?

The position of women both traditionally and in the regime is a theme throughout the story, and women are represented by very different characters: Beydan and Qumman, Ladan and Margaritta. Was there a particular moment in the book that stood out to you in regards to gender roles? Which character resonated with you the most?

Farah starts Part Two with a Wilhelm Reich quote: “In the figure of the father the authoritarian state has its representative in every family, so that the family becomes its most important instrument of power.” How do you think Keynaan, “The Grand Patriarch,” functions within his own family and the authoritarian regime of the General? Do you think he makes his family an instrument of power to the state?

Obviously it felt like there were some parallels between the current events in the U.S. and this book. What stood out to you the most?

(I am a big quote person).

Also: Are you a Soyaan or Loyaan?

Link to poll is here, since polls don't seem to be visible from the app: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...

So there is a poll already, but apparently I can't add other books to it once I set it up (finding out my GoodReads learning curve). So I guess if we are officially decided on the short list, I can delete the old poll and set up a new one and we can vote.

I was thinking about one book a month, and having asynchronous discussion during the last week plus pick next month's book, but we can definitely set it up any way we please. What do you think?

Yeah, Farah is pretty prolific! I'm totally open to adding Sweet and Sour Milk from the Theme on an African Dictatorship Trilogy, I basically just selected Maps because it had the highest goodreads rating.

I thought we would start our reading/travels with the countries that Trump has banned immigration from, with Somalia first because of the Minnesota connection. There is a poll below for us to choose: Which book should we read? (Other options welcome, so long as the author is Somalian.

Maps
The Orchard of Lost Souls
Desert Dawn
Fairytales for Lost Children
Yesterday, Tomorrow: Voices from the Somali Diaspora