The novel begins in 2008 with the election of Barack Obama. Why do you think Johnson chooses to open the story at this pivotal moment in history?

The novel begins in 2008 with the election of Barack Obama. Why do you think Johnson chooses to open the story at this pivotal moment in history and how does that set the tone for what unfolds in the book? How different would this story be if it began in the present day?

I think that Barack Obama's election held the hope of many black people that change was possible and things would get better. This is a perfect opening and timeline for the story.

I think she chose this to open the story because it was such a pivotal moment of history. It was the perfect occasion to highlight the historical aspects of far history has come regarding African Americans. This was also a wonderful way of expressing hope for our future!

I agree that the timing was purposeful because of the story that she wanted to tell. It might have been a very different story had it been set in 2016.

I think that Obama's election created an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm, however briefly. I'm white, but I do remember thinking that his election meant the country was moving forward, perhaps starting to move beyond its racism.

If the novel had been set today, that would mean the adoption was in 1997, when it would have been easier to keep an adoption private. In addition, I think the country has kind of taken a step backward on racial relations, so I think the tensions would have been different.

Many Americans felt there would be more diversity and inclusion as a result of President Obama’s election and it was a period of less divisiveness—-much less than we’re experiencing now.

I think the election of Barack Obama was a pivotal moment in United States history but even more so for African Americans because it provided a moment of hope and inspiration for possible unity. This provided an ideal setting for the authors story.

I think the writer started the book at this time during great celebration and hope, but then, also, showing what happens when some of that hope deteriorates because the problems that are so deeply embedded in America are still there.

I also agree that having the story start in 2008 just after the election brought so many positive memories and great feelings to the reader. There was such a feeling that the people can make a difference by voting. Starting at this time with Ruth's career at a pivotal point also the beginning story more credible.

I think she chose that event to begin her story because Obama becoming President brought with it a real hope for change. The Kindest Lie tells the story of what change people were looking for and how deep the divide was

I agree with many of the other readers who have already posted. The election of Barak Obama was a great moment of hope and celebration for the black community. Maybe now there would be real change in communities and workplaces. Maybe now, black people would not be suspect every time they walked into a store. Maybe police would begin to see young, black men as the next Barak Obama and change their tactics. Barak Obama won "the largest share of white support of any Democrat in a two-man race since 1976". (43%) So there was also reason to believe in 2008, that white people were ready for a different way and eager to be a part of it.

Obama's election gave Xavier enough confidence in the direction America was going to want to start a family with Ruth.

Ruth's return home to Granton allowed the reader to experience through her, why Barak Obama was so important to black Americans. In 2008, black women were being overlooked for promotions for positions where they were the most qualified, black men had to skip casual Fridays so they would be seen as competent employees, young black boys were seen as threatening by grown men carrying guns. Black people were treated suspiciously in stores. Disgruntled white men were blaming black men for their failures.

Ruth worked through her past so she could have a bright future. She risked her marriage and her relationships with Mama and Eli to do that. Fourteen years later what are we willing to risk?

Many of us hoped for change with the election of Obama. The characters in the book feel the same--hope for a future with less racial violence and discord.

Obama's election inspired a hope for change. Many people wanted a future with less racial tension. The characters in this story reflected this also.

There was an up rise in how the black community saw themselves when Obama was elected. There was hope for change in the country. There was hope for better race relations. Obama's election was inspiring to a lot of people both black and white, but the black race believed they could do more, see more stability, and move their race further with a black President.

I think this made Ruth want better for her son -she wanted to know that he was in a good place and if not she planned to take him and give him a better life.