Sing, Unburied, Sing Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: Sing, Unburied, Sing
Rating: 4.8 (10 reviews)
Author: Jesmyn Ward
ISBN: 9781501126062

Sing, Unburied, Sing

by Jesmyn Ward

BookBrowse Review:

Critics' Consensus (10):

Readers' Rating (27):

First Published:
Sep 5, 2017, 304 pages

Paperback:
May 2018, 288 pages

Book Reviewed by:
Poornima Apte
X
- Literary Fiction
- South, USA
- Mis. Ala. Ga.
- Contemporary
- Generational Sagas
- Parenting & Families
- Dealing with Loss
- Adult-YA Crossover Fiction
- Black Authors
- Magical or Supernatural
- Magical Realism
Genres & Themes
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Prison Labor and our BookBrowse Review of Sing, Unburied, Sing.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

The novel begins with Jojo's thoughts, "I like to think I know what death is" and "I want Pop to know I can get bloody" (page 1). How do these thoughts set the stage for Jojo's birthday and what follows?
How does Given's death shape Leonie, Pop, and Mam? How does it change how they relate to each other?
Why does Given begin appearing to Leonie after Michael goes to jail, whenever she gets high? Why doesn't Leonie tell anyone about seeing Given?

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How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?

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

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Beyond the Book:
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