Somewhere in the Unknown World: A Collective Refugee Memoir

Compare and contrast the experiences of refugees from different parts of the world as portrayed in the book. What common challenges or strengths do they share? What important differences are depicted?

Explore the role of support systems in the lives of the refugees portrayed in the collection—in what ways do their experiences highlight The Importance of Community in Times of War or Displacement? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Examine the importance of storytelling in preserving and sharing the experiences of refugees of war.

Evaluate the role of government policies and bureaucratic systems in shaping the lives of refugees in the United States as depicted in Yang’s book.

Consider the role of activism and advocacy in the lives of the refugees depicted in this book. How do they advocate for themselves and others? How do they benefit from the activism of others? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Discuss the impact and importance of language in the lives of these refugee storytellers. What connections are drawn between language and identity?

How does Somewhere in the Unknown World contribute to the broader conversation about immigration policies and the refugee experience in the United States, specifically that of ethnic and religious minorities?

Explore depictions of gender and age in the collection. What Unique Challenges of War and Displacement for Women and Children do Yang’s narrators experience? What impact does the collection suggest immigrant communities experience as a result of those unique challenges?