Printable Book Club Questions for Kin by Tayari Jones

Let’s talk about the meaning behind the book’s title, Kin, and how the story explores kinship and belonging, both by blood and by found family.
Annie and Vernice are instantly bonded by losing their mothers at a young age. Vernice’s mother was killed by her father, and Annie’s mother ran away. How did growing up without their mothers shape who they eventually became?
While they have a shared experience, the two girls are raised differently. Vernice’s aunt doesn’t show much in the way of affection, but she teaches Vernice how to be a lady. Annie’s grandmother is pretty much worn out and doesn’t have the energy to fully be engaged with Annie’s upbringing. Both girls don’t receive the nurturing they need. What stood out to you about their childhoods?
The novel takes place in the American South during the Jim Crow era, and each of the characters experiences systemic racism. How did these experiences have a greater impact on their livelihood?
Knowing her mother is out there somewhere gives Annie some hope. And eventually she runs away with her ex-boyfriend, his current girlfriend, and Bo, his cousin. What did Annie hope would happen if she found her mother?
Vernice heads off to college, and on the bus ride there, she accidentally sits on the white side, and the bus driver kicks her out. When her classmates hear about it, the story eventually becomes exaggerated to the point that Vernice did this to take a stand. When Vernice and Joette have their big confrontation at the end, Joette accuses Vernice of trying to act like a hero when she wasn’t. Why did Vernice somewhat hide the truth about that day?
Annie’s journey is not smooth, and on the road to Memphis, their car breaks down, and they’re forced to stop and eventually work at a whorehouse. What were your thoughts as you read the scenes there and the impact on each character?
Vernice starts a secret relationship with her roommate, Joette. What was your take on their relationship?
Annie’s relentless search for her mother and the ups and downs of her whereabouts eventually drive a wedge between her and Bo, and he breaks up with her as a result. How did you react when Bo left her?
Eventually, Vernice starts a relationship with Franklin, which is spearheaded by his mother, who takes a liking to Vernice due to their similar upbringings. As a result, she has a messy breakup with Joette. Did Vernice love Franklin, or was it more about what he could provide (money and eventual children)?
We do learn that Annie does, in fact, see her mother once, and they speak. But her mother doesn’t have much to say and simply says not to waste time on her. Let’s discuss this scene.
After Bo leaves Annie, she spirals and starts a toxic affair with her much older boss. She gets pregnant and turns to Vernice for support. But Vernice’s in-laws forbade her from helping Annie, which led Annie to go back to the whorehouse for an abortion. However, Annie dies shortly after. Let’s discuss our thoughts as all of this unfolded.
Vernice is devastated by the loss of Annie. She’s the one person who truly knew her. Regarding her burial, she has to turn to Joette for help. But Joette is cold and forces Vernice to reveal the truth about their past relationship to Franklin. Why was it so important to Joette that Vernice stop hiding their past?
Vernice tells Franklin the truth about her entire life, including Joette. It then says a silence follows. What happens after this silence? Will the two stay together? Or do you think he will leave her?
The last chapter is right before Annie’s abortion, and they ask for her next of kin. She eventually says it was Niecy (her nickname for Vernice). Let’s discuss the impact of this moment.
What were your thoughts about the open ending?
Overall, how did this story make you feel?