Printable Book Club Questions for A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

What is the meaning behind the book’s title, A Great Country?
The novel covers the idea, and also, the myth of the ‘model minority.’ What is your viewpoint on this topic?
Why did Ashok push so hard for his family to live in Pacific Hills, California? What did he hope to achieve with this move?
Ashok and Priya came to America 20 years ago in search of the American Dream. What does the American Dream mean to people today? Is it still obtainable?
How do you define success?
Race relations is covered quite a bit in this novel. While their daughter, Deepa, is involved in social justice issues, her parents shy away from it and don’t feel a kinship with other minorities. What were your thoughts as you read both perspectives? When did this mindset start to change for Priya?
On the same note, why do you think Deepa took up this causes? Why do her parents see her as the ‘difficult’ one?
Everything changes for the family when the son, Ajay, is brutally beaten by a police officer and then taken into custody. What were your thoughts as you read all of this unfold?
While the police thought he was an adult, Ajay is still a child, and he appears to have undiagnosed Autism. Why didn’t his parents seek help and therapy for Ajay when was younger? How might have that changed the outcome of that night?
Maya tries to blend in with the majority white crowd, even shoplifts to keep up with appearances. Let’s talk about Maya and her complicated journey.
When did it become apparent that this move turned into a nightmare for the family?
Eventually, all chargers are dropped against Ajay. But still the police never apologized and the entire family is left with lasting damage. Let’s talk about the press conference where Priya speaks about this truth.
Why was moving back to Irvine the right move for the family? What happens next for everyone?