Topic 1

Discuss the meaning of the story “The Exchange.” Jhumpa tells the reader that the black sweater represents language. With this in mind, what does the story say about language?

Topic 2

Discuss the meaning of the story “Half-Life.” Why do you think that Jhumpa includes it in her book? How does it relate to her journey?

Topic 3

Discuss the analogies that Jhumpa uses to help her reader understand her feelings and emotions as she goes through the process of learning to speak and read Italian. How do these analogies help the reader relate to Jhumpa’s struggle? Choose one analogy and discuss it specifically. Does it work? Why or why not?

Topic 4

Jhumpa first refers to her relationship with Italian as that of a lover. Later in her story she begins to have maternal feelings toward the language. Discuss her changing emotions toward her new language. What...