Another Brooklyn

August, Sylvia, and Angela come to Brooklyn by way of the global South (Tennessee, Martinique, and South Carolina, respectively). How do these characters’ pasts inform their lives in Brooklyn? What changes do they experience? How does this reflect on African American experience in the 20th century?

Discuss the importance of hair in this text. August’s father cannot do her hair, so she must go to a salon until she meets Sister Loretta. She is fascinated by her friends’ hair as well as Sister Loretta’s hair. Why is well-kempt hair so important to August’s sense of identity and wellbeing?  

Discuss the importance of hair in this text. August’s father cannot do her hair, so she must go to a salon until she meets Sister Loretta. She is fascinated by her friends’ hair as well as Sister Loretta’s hair. Why is well-kempt hair so important to August’s sense of identity and wellbeing?  

When Sister Loretta arrives, she banishes not just pork, but also boiled potatoes and bags of peanuts, calling these things “slave food.” What importance does food have to August’s identity? 

When Sister Loretta arrives, she banishes not just pork, but also boiled potatoes and bags of peanuts, calling these things “slave food.” What importance does food have to August’s identity? 

When Sister Loretta arrives, she banishes not just pork, but also boiled potatoes and bags of peanuts, calling these things “slave food.” What importance does food have to August’s identity? 

What is the impact of Sylvia’s relationship with Jerome? How does it affect August at 15? At 35?

August has an easy time saying “I love you” to her friends. However, in her adult relationships, this becomes difficult. How do the lines between friendship, love, and sex blur amongst the four girls? How does this shape August’s adult relationships?