Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Selfless Act of Breathing by JJ Bola

1. What are your first impressions of Michael? How did his initial plan make you feel? Based on the first chapter, what do you think his reasonings could be for this plan?
2. Describe the structure of The Selfless Act of Breathing. Why do you think the author time-stamped the beginning of each chapter? As a reader, did you find it helpful to place the setting? How do the flashbacks to London help you to better understand Michael's decision to leave?
3. During Pastor Baptiste's sermon on p. 15, he mentions how he had fallen down the wrong path of "sex, drink, drugs, debt, violence." Looking back on Michael's journey, how do each of these come into play during his own "fallen" experience?
4. In chapter 6 we meet Jalil, who is dealing with cultural pressures to get married. How are both Jalil and Michael either fighting or adhering to the expectations society bestows upon young adult men? Discuss whether their priorities and choices are the same.
5. Michael meets Sara while in San Francisco, and they quickly travel to Los Angeles together. Why do you think Michael is still searching for human connection at this point? Discuss how he realizes he made a mistake in trying to connect with her.
6. Despite being surrounded by friends, coworkers, and family, Michael consistently feels alone or invisible. It is in small moments—like Mr. Black winking at him during basketball practice (p. 88)—that Michael feels seen. Up to this point, what are other moments that Michael has felt seen?
7. Discuss Duwayne as a character. Why is he important to Michael? What does he represent in the story?
8. In Chapter 22, Michael makes a decision not to call the cops after witnessing a mugging. Discuss why you think he made that choice. There are other interactions with the police throughout the novel. How did those interactions make you feel?
9. Although they have a flirtatious relationship, Michael and Sandra never act on their feelings for each other. Why do you think that is? Do you like Sandra? After receiving her email, Michael explains his rage toward "the growing weight of burdens accumulating in my life" (p. 210). Why do you think he sees these people who care for him as burdens?
10. Was Michael's relationship with Belle similar to what he first found with Sara? Why do you think he repeated this behavior throughout his trip?
11. Was the conclusion of the book surprising? Did you anticipate these endings for all of the characters?
12. Each city Michael visits on his physical journey seems to correspond to a new phase of his interior journey. Discuss what each city might mean to Michael. How did each setting make you feel as a reader?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Atria Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.