The New Press Reading Group Guide
What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape by Sohaila Abdulali
Q UES T I ON S 1. Abdulali writes of her double-edged fear that “in my hopes of contributing to the conversation in a level-headed manner, I will appear to be saying that rape is no big deal” and that “in saying it does not have to be the end of hope and light, I will appear flippant and not honor rape victims’ terrible suffering and trauma.” Does she succeed in striking the right balance? (p. 95) 2. While researching her book Abdulali spoke to survivors all over the world. How do their stories enrich—or detract from—the book? 3. Does Abdulali offer a clear path forward for dealing with rape? If so, what is it? 4. After reading this book, do you feel differently about rape in comparison to other crimes? 5. What purpose do you think the five “Brief Pause” chapters are intended to serve? Are they effective? 6. The book discusses what the BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism) community might have to offer to the discussion of consent. Does this seem reasonable? (p. 46) 7. Do you think that a result of the #MeToo movement will be that there are fewer sexual assaults in the future? 8. Abdulali implies that rape is a choice, not something that men do when they lose control. Do you agree?
READING GROUP GUIDE FOR WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT RAPE BY SOHAILA ABDULALI © THE NEW PRESS
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