Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
This topic is about
The Vanishing Half
2020 Monthly Reads
>
December Group Read Discussion: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Lynn wrote: "This is the December Monthly Group Read discussion for The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. This will satisfy the 1st prompt: A book published in 2020.A huge "Thank You!" to Lauren..."
Thanks for setting this up early! I'll start the book and the discussion on the 1st. :)
Mod
Since we use the Weekly Check-Ins for announcements I thought it better to set it up now rather than being "late" next week. :)
I have my copy in hand now. :)
While we're waiting on the 2021 challenge to post, we can get this conversation going. I plan to start reading the book today, and slowly make my way through it this month. If anyone's interested in the Texas Book Festival discussion with the author for this book, I think the rewatch is available through December 11th. There was a question toward the end that asked about why X happened at the end of the book, which wasn't a huge spoiler, but a little bit, so you can mute through that part if you want. ;) To get the conversation rolling, here are the first questions:
1. This book has received a ton of attention this year and is up for the Goodreads Choice Award (among other book award nominations). Does that make you more excited to read it, or are you afraid your high expectations will be hard to meet?
2. If you've read her previous novel The Mothers, does that affect your expectations for this book?
3. Is this type of book (literary fiction about racism) something you typically read?
4. Have you already gone through reviews for the book to decide if it's a good match for you, or do you hold off on those so you can form your own opinions first?
For me, I would say I'm very excited to read this, but also a little concerned about my high expectations. I'm trying to going into the story with an open mind toward where the author decided she wanted to go with the idea.
I read The Mothers years ago, and see that I gave it four stars. I don't remember much about it though. I listened to the audiobook for that one, but I plan to read this one in print, so hopefully that will help it stick in my memory better.
Yes, I read a ton of literary fiction and always appreciate books that tackle racism.
I used to read reviews before starting a book, but that has ruined a few reading experiences, so I no longer do that. I'll read it first, then maybe see what other readers had to say about it. ;)
Looking forward to it!
I had already planned to read this book this month, so that works out nicely! I’ll be listening to the audiobook, which I’m pretty sure I got as an Audible Daily Deal!
Mod
1. This book has received a ton of attention this year and is up for the Goodreads Choice Award (among other book award nominations). Does that make you more excited to read it, or are you afraid your high expectations will be hard to meet? I don't know. I read this before the Awards came out. I don't think seeing it on the Awards list would have affected my outlook.
2. If you've read her previous novel The Mothers, does that affect your expectations for this book? Yes! THIS is why I was excited to read The Vanishing Half. I listened to both as audiobooks, and happily I liked this book even more than The Mothers.
3. Is this type of book (literary fiction about racism) something you typically read? Maybe? I don't know. I think so?
4. Have you already gone through reviews for the book to decide if it's a good match for you, or do you hold off on those so you can form your own opinions first? I do often look at reviews before I read, when I'm not sure about an author, but in this case I was sure, so I don't think I spent much time looking at other reviews. In fact, I think I tried hard to get to this book as soon as it came out. It came out in June and I read it in July. At that point, at least one of my GR friends had gotten advanced copies, and gave it five stars.
Nadine wrote: "I really loved this book!!! 1. This book has received a ton of attention this year and is up for the Goodreads Choice Award (among other book award nominations). Does that make you more excited t..."
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm only on the first chapter (I wish they were shorter) but I'm noticing how the point of view (third person omniscient) really stands out for this story. In modern literary fiction this POV is typically discouraged, but I remember in the interview with the author (link above) she talked about why that POV was needed here. I think she's correct, and even though it's seen as an "older/outdated" writing style, I'm really enjoying it for this story. It almost feels like a break from how most stories (that I read at least) are told these days, and I didn't know I needed that.
Has anyone else noticed the POV? Any thoughts on how it's working here and compares to the other options?
Looking forward to reading more later today!
I read this a couple months ago so it's hard to say how I would have answered some of these questions. I had not read anything else by Bennett so I didn't have many expectations. I did have high hopes given it's popularity.It was not the sort of thing I typically read (literary fiction anyway, books involving racism, social justice issues, I do actively seek out). In the past I've primarily read SFF and Horror. I think my tastes are just changing as I get older.
I just wanted to say I absolutely loved this book! I plan to pick up The Mothers at some point and will look forward to other books by her in the future.
Sarah wrote: "I read this a couple months ago so it's hard to say how I would have answered some of these questions. I had not read anything else by Bennett so I didn't have many expectations. I did have high ho..."Wonderful - I'm glad you loved it!
I finished reading the book a couple of weeks ago. I'd seen references to the book as one of the best books of the year. Last month I decided it was time to learn how to get e-books from the library. The Vanishing Half was one of the featured books available, so I picked it. I hadn't read the first novel. The main attraction for me is that I am a twin and I'm always interested in books about twins. That it dealt with racism and "passing" sounded intriguing. I loved the book, and hope everyone enjoys reading it.
Mod
That's really interesting. So, as a twin yourself, did this all feel "right" - did Bennett nail that part of it?
Nadine wrote: "Judy wrote: "I finished reading the book a couple of weeks ago. I'd seen references to the book as one of the best books of the year. Last month I decided it was time to learn how to get e-books fr..."Yes! I'm also curious about this. :)
Nadine wrote: "Judy wrote: "I finished reading the book a couple of weeks ago. I'd seen references to the book as one of the best books of the year. Last month I decided it was time to learn how to get e-books fr..."It seems to me that the experience of growing up as a twin is different for everyone. Some are very close for their whole lives. Others aren't closer than siblings in general. I think most twins appreciate a point in their lives when they move away, or take a new job, or do something where the people they meet don't know they are a twin, and they aren't constantly compared to the other person. No spoilers, but I do see some of that in the novel.
Judy wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Judy wrote: "I finished reading the book a couple of weeks ago. I'd seen references to the book as one of the best books of the year. Last month I decided it was time to learn how to..."That makes sense. Thanks for sharing!
So far I've finished part one and just got started on part two last night. I notice that the timeline jumps from 1968 to 1978, then back to '68 for the first few parts, which is interesting. I'm not sure who my favorite character(s) is/are at this point, but I find them all intriguing so far. Which characters are standing out to you?
I'm still loving this story! I just got to the part where we meet Reese. Very interested in where that will go. Is anyone else slowly working their way through the book this month, or have most folks already finished it?
Mod
I could care less what award or prize or honor a book receives prior to reading it. All that matters to me is MY reaction to it! :)
"2. If you've read her previous novel The Mothers, does that affect your expectations for this book?"
Did not read it. My reaction to this book will probably determine whether I do read it or not.
"3. Is this type of book (literary fiction about racism) something you typically read?"
Love it!
"4. Have you already gone through reviews for the book to decide if it's a good match for you, or do you hold off on those so you can form your own opinions first?"
I try not to read any detailed reviews. That is one thing I love about the Weekly Check-Ins--we can give a brief review to let others know our reaction without necessarily going into detail...
"I used to read reviews before starting a book, but that has ruined a few reading experiences, so I no longer do that. I'll read it first, then maybe see what other readers had to say about it. ;)"
Aha! That's why I don't read reviews beforehand. :) I concentrate on keeping an open mind. Many times before I open a book I make myself stop and clear my mind with a bit of deep breathing and concentration on the breathing process... I try to make myself go wherever the author intends me to go...
Mod
Lynn wrote: "Lauren wrote: "1. This book has received a ton of attention this year and is up for the Goodreads Choice Award (among other book award nominations). Does that make you more excited to read it, or a..."I guess I also don't place too much importance on awards as far as how excited I get about reading a book, but I do love how awards can significantly increase exposure/sales for authors. So maybe all of the attention Bennett is receiving for this book will mean she can be a full time writer who makes a living through this, rather than doing it in addition to a day job, as most writers do.
I also like how the weekly check-ins provide brief commentary on books folks are reading; enough to encourage me to move certain books up or down in their position on my extremely long TBR list, but without any spoiling details. ;)
Lauren wrote: "I'm still loving this story! I just got to the part where we meet Reese. Very interested in where that will go."While I was enjoying the book up until this point, I will say that my interest increased substantially as soon as Reese showed up! I love how she is tying in all kinds of issues in the story without it feeling forced.
(view spoiler)
Layne wrote: "Lauren wrote: "I'm still loving this story! I just got to the part where we meet Reese. Very interested in where that will go."While I was enjoying the book up until this point, I will say that m..."
Yes, I also think Reese's character feels like a natural addition to the story.
Would you be able to add a spoiler tag to the second part of your post? I'm about a third of the way into the story, so I was starting to think (view spoiler) Thanks for joining the conversation, and I hope to hear what you think when you're done!
Also, how is this book on audio? I'm reading it in print, but was thinking the audio might work just as well for this story.
Sorry about that! I figured since it's right in the synopsis that it wouldn't be a spoiler, but I'll go change that now. As for audiobook, I'm quite enjoying the narrator. If you have the opportunity, I'd suggest you give it a try.
Mod
I agree about the awards getting an author and books more PR.
And the weekly check-ins and challenge prompt postings are now my main source of book recommendations. It is nice to just have people's reactions without much detail, plus, the more I interact with the group members, the more I can recognize their own preferences and how much they may align with my own.
Mod
I try to err on the safe side with regard to spoilers. Generally, it doesn't bother me to know what's going to happen if I'm enjoying the book but many readers get upset... I figure I'll have enough time to read this book this weekend to get into the spoilers! :)
Layne wrote: "Sorry about that! I figured since it's right in the synopsis that it wouldn't be a spoiler, but I'll go change that now. As for audiobook, I'm quite enjoying the narrator. If you have the opportuni..."No worries. I read the description months ago when I got the book, so I forgot how much it mentioned there. Not a big spoiler either way though. ;)
A good amount of this story takes place in 1968, which is pretty interesting. I’m now on part three and there are some connections to what was going on in the U.S. that year. A few things I’ve read the past few months have reminded me that ‘68 was nearly as tumultuous as 2020. There were many major events (mostly devastating) that year. I wasn’t born until ‘86 so I don’t have personal memories of that year, but does anyone here? Does any of this story remind you of that time and what was going on across the country?
I'm also thinking about the distinct location settings in this story. We've seen small-town Louisiana, a little of DC, New Orleans, and southern California/Los Angeles. Do you feel you're getting a good sense of these places (even though one is technically fictional)? I'm generally enjoying all of them as I've been to these places (except Mallard, of course), although I would have enjoyed more of the story taking place in New Orleans, since I love that city. That could come later though, I'm only at about the halfway mark. I'm also expecting more details about Los Angeles, since the author is from there.
I didn't feel there was much detail about pretty much any of the cities. At least, that's my perception. Mallard felt the most fleshed out. Maybe because it's the only fictional location? My guess is Mx. Bennett figured their readers would have at least a general idea of the other locations, so didn't bother going too deep into setting.
Mod
I didn't feel a strong sense of place in any of the locations, and for the most part the story could take place anywhere. The exception, of course, is Mallard. Mallard felt like the more modern version of whatever city it is that Janie and Jody settle in Their Eyes Were Watching God. (Googling tells me that is Eatonville, FL, a real place. All this time I thought it was fictional!)
Oh! I'd assumed Eatonville was fictional as well! Learn something new everyday!
Mod
Mod
Point taken. Thanks!
1. This book has received a ton of attention this year and is up for the Goodreads Choice Award (among other book award nominations). Does that make you more excited to read it, or are you afraid your high expectations will be hard to meet?I've mostly paid attention to this book because so many of the group seem to love it. Then my bestie gave me her copy. When I asked her what she thought, she said it was "okay." So my expectations aren't too high now. I've just started the book, so I haven't formed an opinion yet.
2. If you've read her previous novel The Mothers, does that affect your expectations for this book?
I haven't read any other books by this author.
3. Is this type of book (literary fiction about racism) something you typically read?
I enjoy fiction about racism as it helps make the images more real in my mind.
4. Have you already gone through reviews for the book to decide if it's a good match for you, or do you hold off on those so you can form your own opinions first?
Other than looking at the average ratings of a book, I don't read reviews until afterwards. I often go into books having not even read the synopsis and knowing very little about the subject matter. More fun to discover it as I go.
Layne wrote: "Lauren wrote: "I'm still loving this story! I just got to the part where we meet Reese. Very interested in where that will go."While I was enjoying the book up until this point, I will say that m..."
As I'm getting further into the book (using spoiler tag for those who haven't passed the halfway mark) (view spoiler)
Lynn wrote: "I just finished the first part and am about halfway through the second part. I really like Early. For so many reasons, but especially his [spoilers removed] I love their relationship! I really enjo..."I liked Early from the beginning (once he shifted his focus) so I look forward to more on him as I get further into the second half!
Teri wrote: "1. This book has received a ton of attention this year and is up for the Goodreads Choice Award (among other book award nominations). Does that make you more excited to read it, or are you afraid y..."I hear you on avoiding those reviews until you've already finished the book! I usually read the description before I start a new book, but sometimes those contain spoilers as well. I prefer the broad descriptions that don't get into too many plot details.
I've marked various passages as I'm slowly making my way through this wonderful story. Here's one from today's reading:"Loretta said that, a couple months ago, Cindy asked her what assassination meant. She told her the truth, of course--that an assassination is when someone kills you to make a point. Which was correct enough, Stella supposed, but only if you were an important man. Important men became martyrs, unimportant ones victims. The important men were given televised funerals, public days of mourning. Their deaths inspired the creation of art and the destruction of cities. But unimportant men were killed to make the point that they were unimportant --that they were not even men-- and the world continued on."
Wow. So much to process here. Any thoughts?
Are there passages anyone else has marked in this book that you'd like to share?
I finished the book last night, and I don't love it as much as others seem to do. I can't quite put my finger on why. The plot is interesting. The characters didn't ring true to me, maybe, but that doesn't seem fair. What do I know of living lives like these? What I did like, though, (view spoiler).
Mod
"Loretta said that, a couple months ago, Cindy asked her what assassination..."
Yes, so much to process... This passage also caught my attention. While every "man" (Note the emphasis on male gender...) killed is gone, their social status, mainly based upon reputation, title/position, and money amassed, determines the way in which they are remembered and possibly honored. What of those who are senselessly killed? The many nameless/unknown who are murdered in the guise of "policing" such as George Floyd and Trayvon Martin are merely "victims" with no memorials, etc. Innocent children. People living in poverty or below...
Mod
I was a "pre-teen" in 1968. Since I am "white" and I was raised in a rural Midwestern US community (read---ALL white) most of the uproar of the 60s didn't affect me at all. My mother was very prejudiced, so there was no discussion other than I do remember her complaining bitterly about school desegregation and bussing, although that didn't affect me at all. I still had a one-hour bus ride every morning! No mention was made of the two assassinations of MLK and Kennedy. I do remember watching some footage of the WATTS riots and some of the anti-war protests. As well, I do remember some actual footage of the Vietnam War and have since learned how impactful that was for many people and our society overall--the first time for live war images to be televised to the masses.
Though we had one rather small black-and-white TV when I was growing up, it wasn't on all the time in the evenings. Just for the news and a few special shows my grandmother loved to watch (Hee Haw and Gunsmoke are two I remember.)
Mod
It seems to me that the experience of growing up as a twin is different for everyone. Some are very close for their whole lives. Others aren't closer than siblings in general. I think most twins appreciate a point in their lives when they move away, or take a new job, or do something where the people they meet don't know they are a twin, and they aren't constantly compared to the other person. No spoilers, but I do see some of that in the novel."
I would agree and I felt that was just one (rather minor, IMO) reason for Stella's rejection of her black heritage—branching out on her own. I could easily understand why Stella would (view spoiler)
Mod
She was never up to anything, of course, her days blending together into a sameness that she later found comforting. No surprises, no sudden anger, no man holding her one moment, then hitting her the next. No life was steady. She knew what each day would bring, except when Early appears. He was the only thing in he life she wasn't prepared for.
I felt sad and yet somewhat relieved for her situation upon (view spoiler) YAY Desiree!
Mod
She could tell the truth, she thought, but there was no single truth anymore. She'd lived a life split between two women--each real, each a lie.
"I've just always been this way," Stella said. "I'm not like you. Open. It's a good way to be. I hope you stay that way."
She handed her daughter a sheet of shelf paper, and Kennedy smiled.
"I don't know any other way to be," she said. "What do I have to hide?"
My initial reaction upon reading this passage was "Uh-oh. Probably way more than you may think you do..." (view spoiler)
Lynn wrote: "On page 92 Desiree describes her life in Mallard:She was never up to anything, of course, her days blending together into a sameness that she later found comforting. No surprises, no sudden anger,..."
I agree with this, I was so happy that Desiree (view spoiler) I agree, Yay Desiree!
Lynn wrote: "Lauren wrote: "I've marked various passages as I'm slowly making my way through this wonderful story. Here's one from today's reading:"Loretta said that, a couple months ago, Cindy asked her wha..."
Yes, I had all of these thoughts as well!
Lynn wrote: "Lauren wrote: "A good amount of this story takes place in 1968, which is pretty interesting. I’m now on part three and there are some connections to what was going on in the U.S. that year. A few t..."It's interesting how that time played out differently for people across the country. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm also curious if reading has been an access point for you to learn about a lot of this history after-the-fact. Was reading big in your home growing up? Is it a primary source of historical and societal information for you? I'm always concerned about how much of a knowledge gap our educational system leaves people with. It takes a big personal interest and effort to learn about this stuff.
Mod
It's interesting how that time played out differently for people across the country. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm also curious if reading has been an access point for you to learn about a lot of this history after-the-fact. Was reading big in your home growing up? Is it a primary source of historical and societal information for you? I'm always concerned about how much of a knowledge gap our educational system leaves people with. It takes a big personal interest and effort to learn about this stuff."
Definitely! I was a huge reader as a child, but rarely read nonfiction. Of course, you must consider that virtually all nonfiction was written for adults and there wasn't as much of it in the 50s and 60s compared to our current published selections.
It wasn't until I was an adult and my children were out of the infant stages that I could re-immerse myself into reading again. The first issue I tackled was religion/spirituality. It didn't take me long to discover my beliefs as an adult once I was out from under the influence of my mother. Then I slowly began acquainting myself with diversity...in real life as a returning adult student to a higher education institution with a much more diverse student population than I experienced as a recent high school graduate at a different institution for two years. Also, within my reading experiences. I completed a graduate course in Diversity in Education and that helped to really open my eyes to the world and my (unfortunately typical, American) ignorance!
I tried to educate my children as well as myself in the years following my return to the world of full-time work outside the home. I feel as if I was rather successful in raising children who are NOT prejudiced adults. At least not to the degree my mother was. (BTW, I never met my father, so I have no idea about him or his family's beliefs.)
I stated that after reading the first chapter in W.E.B. Dubois' book The Souls of Black Folk I learned more US history than in all my years of school. When will the US ever be smart enough to teach more than the glorified and false White Male Anglo-Saxon narrative? I wish that time had already come... This country does itself no favors by ignoring the history of other people, IMO.
Also, the University where I currently work has run a "White Racial Literacy" program for the past two years and I've learned much from those presentations and readings.
Lynn wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Lauren wrote: "A good amount of this story takes place in 1968, which is pretty interesting. I’m now on part three and there are some connections to what was going on in..."Very interesting; thank you for sharing your story! I'm glad you've found all of these resources, and the "white racial literacy" program sounds fascinating. Most of my anti-racist education started from books, and over the past five years lots of volunteering (especially with Black-and-brown led orgs), but after going through the official Undoing Racism training a few years ago, my world has completely shifted. I now see racism and think about it 24/7 and am currently engaged in two different battles related to it at work and with the alumni association board I'm on (along with all the policy advocacy I'm engaged in). It's overwhelming, but still a privilege that I get to choose this work rather than be forced to personally experience the impact of racism. We have so much more work to do, but I'm encouraged by how many more people are willing to read these books, have these conversations, and take action toward change.
I'm on the last section of the book - definitely enjoying it!
I grew up in a very white state and didn't give racism much more than a glancing thought for most of my life until the past 5 years or so. I have been trying hard to educate myself, and I have learned so much and wish I had started much sooner. I'm grateful that there are a lot more resources than there used to be, and that authors are willing to try to teach us a better way.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Mothers (other topics)The Mothers (other topics)
The Souls of Black Folk (other topics)
Their Eyes Were Watching God (other topics)
The Mothers (other topics)
More...
A huge "Thank You!" to Lauren Oertel for leading this discussion!
Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read.
It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the chapter/and or page number with the spoiler. That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...
TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >
Posts here should only be contributions to discussion about this book.