Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism and addiction. Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book. 1. Are you familiar with McBride’s <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/memoir/">memoir</a> <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-color-of-water/summary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Color of Water</a> (1995) about growing up in a multiracial family in Brooklyn? If so, how do the author’s own life experiences align with some of the narratives and issues in Deacon King Kong? 2. In 2023, McBride published <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-heaven-earth-grocery-store/summary/?searchId=84dea151-16e6-4959-8fd9-c255a00e94ac&amp;searchPosition=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store</a>, another historical fiction novel about the importance of community. Compare and contrast how the two novels handle the themes of community and solidarity, examine real-world issues like discrimination and violence, and offer a hopeful message despite these problems.

General Impressions

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences. 1. One of the most important relationships in the novel is the bond between Sportcoat and his mentee, Deems. Have you ever mentored someone else? What did you seek to teach your mentee, and did you learn anything about yourself in the process? 2. The novel focuses on the Brooklyn neighborhood around the Cause Houses and examines the theme of community resilience.

Personal Reflection and Connection

Societal and Cultural Context

Literary Analysis

Creative Engagement

Literary Area of Study

African American Literature

Book Events

Black History Month Reads

Society

Community

Relationships

Daughters & Sons

Fathers

Fiction

Historical Fiction

Mystery & Crime

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Social Issues

Poverty & Homelessness

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James McBride

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Guide

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Deacon King Kong reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Deacon King Kong

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Overview

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Deacon King Kong Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Deacon King Kong Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Deacon King Kong Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

Deacon King Kong Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

Deacon King Kong Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-21

Deacon King Kong Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-26

Deacon King Kong Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Deacon King Kong Character Analysis

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Themes

Deacon King Kong Themes

Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Deacon King Kong

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