January - March 2016: Book set in the Middle East

[Mimi]

To start discussion for the first book of the year, some suggested questions from Saxbys (http://saxbys.tumblr.com/post/1189667...

1. What’s your first impression of the narrator, Aaliya? Do you think she’s likable? Do you sympathize with her?

2. Aaliya has a complicated relationship with her family. Do you think her feelings about her brother & mother are justified?

3. Aaliya loves books, but she thinks her translations are useless and that her literary pursuits are fruitless. So why do you think she sticks with it?

4. Let’s talk about Hannah. Why do you think she was so important to Aaliya? Do you think Aaliya’s over what happened?

5. Where you surprised by Aaliya’s relationship with Ahmad? What do you think bound them together?

6. Why do you think Aaliya avoids interacting with the three women in her building?

7. Beirut plays such an important role in the story. Why do you think Aaliya stays there?

8. Do you think the book ended with some resolution? What were your thoughts on the book overall?