Behold the Dreamers

NCBC's discussions rarely disappoint and Saturday's meeting was no exception. Lynn's selection of Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue which was alo an Oprah Book Club selection and PEN/Faulkner prize winner panned out to be the highest rated book we've read collectively as a group so far this year.

In short, the novel was centered on a Cameroonian couple's experiences as they immigrated to the United States. Our discussion examined how such a move affected their relationship, the effects their employers and a global economic crisis had on their lives. We also explored the social/familial, economic and cultural challenges they faced along with the overwhelming emotional impact and disappointing outcome resulting from a lifelong pursuit of the "American Dream."

The novel's multi-layered topics and complex characters provided fodder for a lively exchange where everyone's opinion and comments sparked even more commentary based on research and personal experiences. If you missed it, you missed a treat!

Our Thoughts and Ratings

• Richelle - 2.5: Was disappointed. Struggled with the pacing and described it as boring; no plot and not engaging. Felt more emphasis was on the employers and not the immigrants.

• Adrian - 4: Thought the author illustrated the mindset and motivation of the immigrant characters well; really understood what made them tick.

• Gwen- 5: Great story. Listened to the audio-book and enjoyed the narrator.

• Phyllis - 4: Thought it was a fresh take on the immigrant perspective and ***SPOILERS*** appreciated their eventual rejection of the "American Dream" and returned home to live out the "Cameroonian Dream." Appreciated the rare admission that for many (Americans and non-Americans) the "dream" is largely a myth and for a large segment of the population, the "dream" falls short of expectations.

• Chanell - 4.5: Enjoyed the story; this was her first audio-book experience. She was pulled into the story and looked forward to drive time to hear more of the story.

• Lynn - 5: The story was different; presented an alternative perspective on American culture.

• Juliet attended, but work demands prevented her from reading the novel, but she commented on many of the key topics and themes.

Virtual Member

• Ann, Phyllis's Aunt - 5: " I would definitely give it 5 stars. It really made me reflect on those of us who are not immigrants and still trying to achieve that "American Dream". How some of us are so poverty stricken, we may as well live in third world countries. Still, we hold on to that dream. I think it was MLK who said we must accept finite disappointments, but never lose infinite hope."

NCBC Group Rating: 4.3

Behold the Dreamers

closes the First Quarter as

NCBC's Highest Rated Novel thus far in 2018!!

#books