DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. 1. Time travel narratives don’t commonly feature Black characters. Why do you think that is?
  2. 2. Fayard is often depicted as a “hustler.” How does this help or harm him in his various lives?
  3. 3. Both Tamar and Fayard have characteristics that follow them throughout their lives. Which ones did you notice?
  4. 4. Aabidah, Tamar’s sister, says that Fay is doing “too much” when he comes to the airport. What is she afraid of and does she have a right to be afraid?
  5. 5. Tamar is a music lover and plays an instrument in many of her lives. How does she use this creative outlet to communicate?
  6. 6. Fayard mentions the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a labor organization that did eventually receive its charter from the American Federation of Labor. Its leader, A. Philip Randolph, advocated for better hours, better wages, and other improvements for the more than 18,000 members of the organization. Social movements are often spearheaded by young people. Why do you think Uncle Max was afraid of change?
  7. 7. In what ways were Fay and Tamar afraid of change in their various lives?
  8. 8. Fay is a gambler and he’s good at it. Once he sees how tips are made on the train, he starts a lottery game to make money. What spurred this change?
  9. 9. Tamar is an orphan at the beginning of the book. How do you think that affects her decision-making? Does having her sister as her guardian give her more power over her future or is it harmful?
  10. 10. Mansa Musa is said to be the richest man who ever lived. His trek from Mali to Mecca was so disruptive to some cities that their economies collapsed because of all the gold he gave away on his journey. Why would Fay try to downplay his association with the great ruler? Does wealth make you think differently of the people you meet?
  11. 11. Tamar avoids calling Fay her boyfriend. Do labels help or harm romantic relationships?
  12. 12. Tamar believes her daddy treats her differently than her sister because of her dark skin. Do you believe he does this on purpose? Have you ever witnessed “colorism” in action in your life?
  13. 13. James Shepard was a founder of Mechanics and Farmers Bank in the early twentieth century. While he did not have a nephew named Norman, he was a leader in his community. Why would Tamar’s daddy want to align himself with the family instead of sending Tamar to Spelman College?
  14. 14. Fayard and Tamar are both Geminis, who are said to be curious, adaptable, and affectionate, but they can also be indecisive and nervous. Do either of them live up to the Gemini stereotype? Why or why not?
  15. 15. Iyin betrays Tamar by sabotaging her marriage proposal. Think about an alternative ending to that lifetime.
  16. 16. On Alpha 9, Tamar is a soldier. Were there any indications in her personality in the previous chapters to indicate that she would be a successful warrior?
  17. 17. Tamar and Fayard have met across time in infinite lives. Imagine a setting that wasn’t shared in the book where you think they would thrive and share it with your group.
  18. 18. Fayard is a polyglot, meaning he can speak many languages. On Alpha 9, he’s useful because of his communications skills. Has he been a good communicator in all of his lives?
  19. 19. The timing seems to always be a bit off for the couple. Do you believe it is fate that is the problem or their individual choices?
  20. 20. At the end of the story, Fayard and Tamar meet many years later and reconnect. Is this a happily ever after?