Courtesy of Hennepin County Book Discussion Guide.
http://oneminneapolisoneread.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2013_discussion_guide.pdf
1. As you started reading this memoir, what set the
tone for you in how Gordon Parks wrote his story?
2. What is the impact of the history of the Great
Depression being told through personal stories?
How is the effect different than reading a
textbook about those years?
3. How much of Gordon’s story is shaped by self-
determination, fate or luck?
4. What words would you use to describe Gordon?
5. How much did Gordon mature over the course of
the story?
6. How would the author’s life have been different
if he were a young person of today?
7. How do the relationships between Gordon and
his family shape his perspective and his actions?
Think about his mother, father, sisters, uncles,
father- and mother-in-law.
8. What was the “hawk over the ghetto”? Is it still
flying over urban areas today?
9. How are the faces of racism different from placeto place in Gordon’s story? (Kansas, Minnesota, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C. and Florida)
10. Gordon wrote, “Minnesota Negroes were given
more, so they had less to fi ght for. Negro and white boys fought now and then in the Twin Cities,but the fights never amounted to much” (p. 52). Do you agree with his statement? Do you think this is different today than in the times he is writing about?
11. Creativity and talent are evident throughout
Gordon’s life. What are some examples? How has
creative expression helped you in trying times?
12. What were the weapons that Gordon found “one
by one,” and how did their presence comfort him?
13. During the stream of consciousness scene
(pp. 110-114), what happens? Why is it written that
way? What do you think of the language used?
14. Why is this story important to us today?
15. Were you familiar with Gordon’s story before
reading this book? Were you inspired to learn more
about Gordon and his weapons afterwards?
