1. In Chapter 2: "A Prayer for my Father," how does Hari's experience during the car ride with his father demonstrate the emotional complexity of dealing with family, personal dreams, and the looming threat of disease?

2. In Chapter 3: "Nowalaters," how does Hari's description of his family dynamics and childhood home highlight the themes of resilience?

3. In Canto II: Queer Chapter 8: "A Prayer for Another World," discuss the theme of disappearing in the chapter. How does Hari's perspective on disappearing change throughout the narrative.

4. In Canto II: Queer Chapter 7: "Guilt and Gods," how does Hari's relationship with Michael serve as a catalyst for his self-discovery and emotional growth?

5. In Canto II: Queer Chapter 6: "A Prayer for Limitless," how does Hari's exploration of different belief systems reflect his search for a personal connection to spirituality?

6. In Chapter 4: "A Prayer for Rest," how does Hari's pursuit of excellence tie into the broader theme of capitalism?

7. In Canto II: Queer Chapter 6: "A Prayer for Limitless," how does Hari's relationship with his father reveal contradictory beliefs and ideas about religion and spirituality?

8. In Chapter 4: "A Prayer for Rest," how does the passage reflect Hari's struggle with anxiety, self-punishment, and the desire for guidance or purpose?

9. In Chapter 5: "D*mb Smart," how does Hari challenge the notion of self-responsibility in combating anti-Blackness and highlight the systemic nature of the problem?

10. In Chapter 1: "Carceral Dissonance," how does Hari's experience with inner-child work and therapy reflect his struggle to reconcile his historical awareness of systemic oppression with his personal journey towards healing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the memoir, Ziyad engages with the concept of otherness. Analyze the ways in which Hari challenges the idea of being an outsider and explores the complexities of being both different from and similar to others.