'Say You're One of Them' by Uwem Akpan - Book Club Discussion Questions

Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan was Oprah's Book Club's 63rd pick. Say You're One of Them is a collection of short stories by Uwem Akpan about life in Africa. Use these book club discussion questions about Say You're One of Them to lead your reading group into the stories.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions on Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan reveal important details about the book. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Why do you think Akpan chose to narrate all the stories through children?
2. Akpan is not only an author, but also a Jesuit priest. Do you think his religious beliefs were evident in Say You're One of Them?
3. What did you learn about the struggles of children in different African countries?
4. Do you think the stories offered any hope or just tragedy?
5. In "An Ex-mas Feast," do you think Maisha had any option other than prostitution? Do you think her decision was justified in light of her family's extreme poverty?
6. In "Fattening for Gabon," do you think Fofo was ever truly sorry for his decision to sell his family into slavery? Why do you think he sold them in the first place?
7. What does the situation on the bus in "Luxurious Hearses" reveal about language, religion and hierarchies in Africa?
8. Rate Say You're One of Them on a scale of 1 to 5.

Read an interview with Uwem Akpan about Say You're One of Them.