I reflect on the year before last when I ransacked Pat’s bedroom in search of the bracelet because I wanted something of hers to always have with me. The fact that I actually got what I wanted makes me smile. I received something from Pat before tonight, though I never imagined her death would leave something greater than the bracelet. I never cared about the value of her possessions or policies, never expected her to leave me anything in her Will. At first, all I wanted was the flimsy bracelet I’m now toying with in my hands.
Pat knew all too well how much I underestimated my desire and potential to love and know it intimately. So she tapped her celestial wisdom to give me someone that would enhance my faith, life, and happiness.
I know beyond a shadow of doubt that Deidra is an everlasting gift from my guardian angel.
Nia
Also spelled Nyah
Language/cultural origin: Swahili/East African
Meaning: purpose
Deidra
Also spelled Deidre or Deirdre
Language/cultural origin: Irish/Gaelic
Meaning: sorrowful; wanderer; a legendary beauty
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About the Author
Lauren Cherelle uses her time and talents to traverse imaginary and professional worlds. She has published stories in G.R.I.T.S: Girls Raised in the South: An Anthology of Queer Womyn’s Voices & Their Allies (2013) and the anthology Lez Talk: A Collection of Black Lesbian Short Fiction (2016). She released her first novel, Accept the Unexpected, in 2011.
During the week, Lauren works in nonprofit development and administration. On weekends, she hangs up her fundraising hat to focus on developmental editing, graphic design projects, and personal writing. She resides in Louisville, KY with her partner of thirteen years. Together, they aspire to open a business incubator that houses a community-based mental wellness center that serves women and families.
Outside of reading, writing, and working, Lauren volunteers as a child advocate. She loves to visit new cities, binge watch her favorite shows, play in her curly hair, and teach women to explore and adore the power of intimacy.
Website: www.lcherelle.com
READING GROUP GUIDE
These questions are designed to enhance readers’ conversation about The Dawn of Nia.
LOVE
In the Chapter 2, Pat told Nia: I really want you to experience how good it feels when you’re on the way to knowing love. Discuss specific experiences in Nia’s emotional journey that helped her know love.
Love hurts sometimes. Love isn’t always pretty. Love can be challenging. Cite examples from Nia’s relationship with Deidra that would test your commitment to love.
Consider your definition of love. What is the simplest way you can define it?
How did Nia and Deidra express their love for each other?
SECRETS
A secret* is:
done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others
kept from the knowledge of any but the initiated or privileged
something that is kept hidden or concealed
Secrets are a theme in The Dawn of Nia. Which secrets were most memorable to you?
In Chapter 11, Nia revealed to Deidra her association with Pat. How do you feel about the way Nia handled her secret prior to disclosure?
How do you feel about the way Nia disclosed her secret to Deidra?
In Chapter 17, Kayla revealed Deidra’s (first) secret (i.e. Deidra is married). Were Deidra’s secrets an extension of being guarded and bruised or sneaky and manipulative?
Have you ever learned of a family secret during a funeral? Did the revelation spark animosity or resentment?
Did the revelation bring closure?
*As defined by Dictionary.com
OPINIONS
Was Nia mean to Kayla, or did Kayla “ask for it”?
Discuss sex on the first date. Is it ever okay?
Can sex-only interactions develop into sustainable relationships?
How do you feel about Jacoby’s view of Deidra? Is he justified or disrespectful?
What are your thoughts about Nia intervening in the Carter family’s quest for Pat’s estate? Would you act similarly?
Can friends (such as Nia and Jacoby) with a romantic/sexual history remain objective and supportive when new relationships arise?
Jacoby is a character that wanted to “have his cake and eat it too.” Does he meet the criteria of a down-low man?
What advice would you give him?
In Chapter 34, Shannon told Nia: And your girlfriend made me practice on a banana when I turned fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen. And she gave me female condoms and dental dams and made me watch a bunch of YouTube videos.
In Chapter 44, Deidra shared with Nia a conversation she held with Shannon. Deidra said: I told Shannon her body is a source of pleasure and this is a good thing— but sexual gratification needs to be on her terms and for her benefit because no man will treat her with any degree of respect if she doesn’t exercise her right to speak and choose first.
Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) help you develop perspective about sex and your body?
How do you feel about Deidra’s efforts with Shannon?
Considering your children (or young people you influence), what would you say differently/similarly than Deidra or your parent(s)/guardian(s)?
In Chapter 39, Nia, Deidra, and Jacoby had a verbal confrontation in a restaurant. Afterward, Deidra admitted: I only say certain things to him because he’ll take the bait and completely disregard you. Do you agree with her combative approach?
In Chapter 43, Cookie provided insight into Pat’s youth. Considering Cookie’s revelations, who was ultimately responsible for Deidra’s abandonment?
RELATIONSHIPS
Every couple’s journey is uniquely challenging and rewarding. What did you admire most about Nia and Deidra’s growing relationship?
Chapters 13 and 23 provided insight into Nia’s past and current relationship with her parents. Her childhood experiences helped mold the foundation for romantic experiences in adulthood. Can you identify specific instances where your parents’ (or family’s) shortcomings affected your adult experiences?
How did you overcome these deficits?
In Chapter 38, Eric told Nia: When the dust settles, she’ll find her way home. Do you know men who would let their wives “stray”?
What advantages would distance and discretion provide a marriage?
Why would Eric financially support Deidra while she lived in Memphis?
If you were in Nia’s shoes, would you end your friendship with Jacoby? If you were in Tasha’s shoes, would you encourage reconciliation?
Initially, Tasha disliked Deidra due to her interactions with K.D. at the house party. Have you ever disliked a friend’s significant other?
Did your dislike/distrust improve over time?
African Americans have a long history with fictive kinship. Discuss your experiences with “play” kin (e.g. play mama, play aunt).
Given your experiences or feelings with play kin, would you support or discourage Nia’s relationship with Pat’s daughter?
Have you ever dated a married man or woman?
Where expectations or boundaries established during the courtship?
How would y
ou handle Deidra’s marital status?
MOTIVATIONS
Did the Carter family want control of Pat’s estate out of love and respect for Pat or for personal gain?
As the story developed, did you question Deidra’s motives or loyalties? If so, when?
In Chapter 30, Juanita trapped Nia in the hallway. Juanita said: Deidra didn’t leave behind shit! She didn’t come back to Memphis for Pat, my kids, or nobody else. She came back ’cause she got pregnant by another man… Save yourself while you can, honey. Whose interest was Juanita serving?
In Chapter 35, Deidra asked Nia: Do you think Pat used you?... If Pat was honest about me, she wouldn’t have been able to use you as a substitute. Do you agree with Deidra’s assertion?
In Chapter 45, Deidra gave Pat’s bracelet to Nia. What did the bracelet symbolize to Deidra?
Have you ever withheld a physical object due to emotional attachment?
ETCETERA
Discuss the following characters individual (personality) flaws: Nia, Jacoby, Caroline, Deidra, Juanita, and Mrs. Ellis (i.e. Nia’s mother).
Do you have personal experience with any of their flaws?
As their relationship progressed, Deidra revealed to Nia her experiences with poverty, lack of parental guidance, infidelity, and emotional maltreatment from her husband. Discuss specific cultural/societal issues that contributed to Deidra’s struggles.
The Dawn of Nia is set in Memphis, Tennessee with some scenes taking place in rural Tennessee and Mississippi. Identify specific passages or references that were distinctively Southern.
What passages or references mirror your experiences with Southern culture?
What scenes or passages resonated with you, invoking specific memories and experiences in your romantic, platonic, and familial relationships?
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