1. Why do you think the author chose this title to represent the entire collection?

2. Most of the stories occur either outside the United States or from the point-of-view of those born in other countries.  How do the stories set in the U.S., with American protagonists, fit with the others?

3. The “twin” stories of “The Advancement of Dawn” and “The Dance of the Falling Comet” culminate in the same, defining event.  How do the different points-of-view complement each other?  What do they convey about Taipei, both separately and together?

4. Reviewers have said that “Stone Daughter” and “Life as a Dragon” present mirror images of each other.  Why might this be so?  Do you agree with this assessment?  If viewed this way, do the two stories work together to give you a fuller impression of the difficulties of intercultural marriage?

5. “Rosa’s Vision,” “The Nearly Invisible People,” and “Maria Angelica” flirt with magic realism, creating worlds where the supernatural becomes part of the ordinary.  Do these stories succeed in making the unbelievable believable, at least for the duration of the story?  Why, or why not?  Why do you think the author used this technique?  Would these stories have been as interesting without the supernatural?

6.  The characters in these stories feel as though do not belong with their cultural and/or social group.  Choose specific examples of this to discuss.

7.  Which stories are about fear and finding the courage to face it?  How are these stories different from each other?  What do each add to the theme?

8.  Several of the stories portray love on the brink of destruction, and others examine destruction on the brink of love.  Which stories fall into which category?  Do any inhabit both categories?

9. Critics have noted that these stories offer possibilities rather than finalities.  Do you agree or disagree?  Why might they have made this conclusion?  Do you feel this is a strength or weakness?

10.  Which was your favorite story?  Why?

Copyright 2007 by Debbie Lee Wesselmann