Book Discussion: Moonrise Over New Jessup

How did you find the pacing of the book?

Though Alice, her friends, and family refer to New Jessup as a “town,” it was never formally incorporated as a municipality after the 1903 riot. Technically, this would make it a Black settlement. Why do you think it was important to Raymond and the rest of the members of the New Jessup NNAS to incorporate New Jessup into its own city?

Why do you believe that Raymond wanted Alice to stop working outside the home? What as your reaction when he had her fired?

Alice mentions wanting to vote, but that she is unwilling to “wear out her shoe leather” just to cast a ballot for the same candidates that are always on the ballot. Why do you think she took this position?

The townsfolk reject the NNAS in their town and the efforts to bring integration to New Jessup. Why do you think this is? Are there issues today that people are resistant to "agitate?"

Percy and Raymond were both resistant to coming home to New Jessup after spending time in the larger world. Raymond ultimately moves back and after a point so does Percy despite claiming he wouldn't. What drew him home?

Why do you think Raymond considers the theft of his sister Regina’ shoes the worst part of the altercation at the Montgomery bus station?

What do you think happened to Alice's sister Rosie? What does she represent in the story?

What role does sisterhood and the black female identity play in the novel?

What are the costs of integration for the black community?

In the novel Red Lining, the act of refusing a bank loan to those who live within a certain geographic area is mentioned as a different way to segregate in more liberal parts of the country. In our modern day society what are some ways we still segregate?

Towards the end of the novel Patience challenges Alice when her and Raymond visit DC. Does Patience make any valid points about Alice's position on equal rights and segregation?

Where there some exceptionally poignant moments in the book that effected you?

What are your thoughts on the author's writing style?