Take My Hand

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Did you previously know about the forced sterilization practices addressed in the novel? How did this novel shape your understanding of the past and institutionalized racism?
• What did the title suggest to you about the book before reading it? Now that you have finished reading, what meaning does the title hold?
• What was your experience of the novel’s direct addresses to the reader? Have you read other novels that use the second person in this way? What effect was the author striving for?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• At the beginning of the book, Civil sees herself as different than her patients (and, to a degree, more deserving of a good life) because of her upbringing, background, and education. As the novel unfolds, her eyes are opened to the way her privileged life has benefited her, but also the way that it has kept her ignorant of the atrocities around her. Have you ever had a similar experience in which you realized your thinking or perception was wrong in some way? What caused your beliefs to change? 
• Portions of the novel are addressed to Anne, Civil’s daughter, and sections alternate between an older and younger version of Civil. What advice or insight would you give to a younger version of yourself? Would your younger self accept this advice? How would your life today be different if your younger self had heeded this advice? 
• As the novel unfolds, Civil becomes involved in a lawsuit involving the sterilization of girls. Have you ever faced a situation in which you had to take extreme action to address an injustice? What did you learn from this experience? Would you take the same action again, knowing the outcome?
• Take My Hand was published in 2022—the same year Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court. How did the book change or affirm your views on bodily autonomy and women’s reproductive issues in a contemporary context? 
• The novel conveys a fictionalized account of injustices done to real, historical figures. How do you feel about this approach to history? Do you find it effective, and do you think it runs any risks (e.g., with regard to sensitivity)?

3. Societal and Cultural Context 

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• The novel references various injustices done to African Americans throughout American history. Is it possible for the nation to “repay” those who experienced these atrocities? What would such reparations look like?
• What does the novel suggest about the importance of having an advocate, especially for those—like legal minors—who cannot advocate for themselves or protect their own interests? What societal measures could help in this regard?

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How might Civil’s name be symbolic? What does the word “civil” connotate, and what associations does it carry?
• What plot point serves as a turning point for Civil? When and how does her character change or grow?
• What role do secondary characters play in the novel? Choose the secondary character you feel is most essential to Civil’s plight and explain why.
• Motherhood—including absent mothers and surrogate mothers—is central to the novel. What does the book suggest makes a good mother? How does this depiction align with its broader themes?

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If you could ask Erica or India a question or provide them with advice, what would you say? 
• Racial injustice continues to plague the United States. Consider more recent injustices, such as the death of George Floyd in 2020. How might a novel written in the future address an event like this?

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