81 pages • 2-hour read
Between Two Kingdoms
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Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Book Club Questions
Tools
Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of illness.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. How did you feel about Jaouad’s decision to structure her memoir in two distinct parts–her experience with illness and her journey toward healing? What impact did this structure have on your reading experience?
2. The memoir explores multiple forms of writing—journals, blogs, letters, and columns. Which of these formats resonated most strongly with you, and why?
3. How does this memoir compare to other illness narratives you’ve read, such as When Breath Becomes Air or The Year of Magical Thinking? What makes Jaouad’s perspective unique?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. Throughout the memoir, Jaouad grapples with living in “in-between” spaces. What “in-between” experiences in your own life help you relate to her journey?
2. The author describes how illness changed her relationship with time and planning for the future. Could you relate to this idea? What other forms of uncertainty do you think might influence a person’s perspective on time?
3. Jaouad writes about the challenge of maintaining relationships while seriously ill. What insights did this give you about supporting loved ones through difficult times?
4. How did the author’s description of her “cancer crew” friendships make you reflect on your own support systems during challenging times?
5. The memoir explores how creativity can help process trauma and grief. What creative outlets have helped you navigate difficult periods in your life?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. How does the memoir challenge or reinforce society’s narratives about illness, particularly in young people?
2. What does the book reveal about the American healthcare system and its impact on patients and their families?
3. How does Jaouad’s multicultural background influence her perspective on illness, healing, and belonging?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. How does the author use travel as both a literal journey and metaphor throughout the book?
2. Examine how Jaouad develops the theme of transformation through her descriptions of physical spaces, particularly “the Bubble” and various hospital rooms.
3. How does the author’s journalistic background influence her storytelling approach?
4. What role does the symbolism of writing and letter-writing play in the narrative?
5. How does Jaouad’s portrayal of Will evolve throughout the memoir, and what does this reveal about her own growth?
6. Analyze how the author uses language related to citizenship and belonging when discussing illness and health. What purpose does this serve?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. If you were to undertake your own 100-day project like those described in the memoir, what would you choose to do, and why?
2. Which of the letter-writers Jaouad visited on her road trip would you most want to meet, and what would you ask them?
3. If you were to write a letter to someone who helped you through a difficult time, what would you say?
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