1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Did anything about the racial stigma in the novel surprise you? How did you feel about its treatment of Black students?
• Which character did you identify with most, and why?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Have you ever experienced stigma or prejudice for an element of your identity? How did you manage it?
• Maternal bonds are a constant thread throughout the novel. How do the parent-child relationships in the story compare to your own parent-child relationships?
• Consider the color symbolism throughout the novel. What are some colors with social or cultural significance to you?
• Ruby makes enormous sacrifices in order to achieve her goals. Do you feel her sacrifices were justified? What would you have done in her place?
• What was your opinion of the ABC sorority? Have you ever been or wanted to become part of an exclusive circle like this? Did you empathize with Eleanor’s desire to join them?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does the time period in which the novel is set influence the constraints of the characters?
• Consider the limitations women and people of color face in the novel.