Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meantime, use our LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion for THE CITY WE BECAME … then take off on your own:
1. Start by considering the unusual form this alien force takes in attacking New York City. What do you make of it: how does it operate? What is its intent?
2. (Follow-up to Question 1) What urban weaknesses does the monster exploit? What is it about city-life that makes it vulnerable, as opposed to, say, small-town or rural life?
3. Jemisin writes that "Great cities are like any other living things": they gestate and then are born and eventually die. In between a city can cohere, coming together like a living organism. What is Jemisin's vision here? What does she mean?
4. The author also writes:
A city is never alone, not really—and this city seems less solitary than most. More like a family: many parts, frequently squabbling … but in the end, against enemies, they come together to protect one another. They must, or die.
Is "coming together" possible? Do divisions in our society and culture allow for mutuality? What does it take? If threats unite us in action, will the union last once the threat has passed?
5. Why are the particular five avatars in The City We Became chosen to square off against the White Woman? What qualities do they bring, or not bring, to the fight? If you're familiar with New York City, how does each of the Avators reflect the borough they come from?
m. Metaphorically, what does the enemy represent?
6. Jemisin states one of the themes of her work: "There ain't no one way to be a part of this city." Consider the meaning of this remark and why it is so central to Jemisin's story.
7. Manhattan avatar's "construct" to fight the woman in the park is "money talks, bullshit walks." What is his meaning?
8. Jemisin weaves into her plot the history and demography of each of the boroughs. Did you find the information interesting, did it enhance the story for you? Or did you find that it slowed the pace and distracted you from the action?
9. Jemisin tackles social issues that plague urban environments: gentrification, rising rents, corporatization of neighborhoods, and racism. How does she demonstrate each of these issues in The City We Became?
10. What was your sense of the book's ending: one of hope and possibility … or one of dismay and fear?
(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online and off, with attribution. Thanks.)