Book Club Questions
Attacking the Dragon
The Conscripted Extremist
- Did you know about China’s Belt and Road Initiative before you read the book? Do you think this initiative is positive or negative for China’s global reputation? For the countries in which it does projects?
- Do you think the United States should respond in some way to the Belt and Road Initiative? If so, how?
- Before finishing the book, who did you think was responsible for the terrorist attacks? Why?
- Do you think that sabotage/terrorist events will be the way that some people challenge China’s, or any other country’s, supremacy in the future?
- Do you think Wes should have sought help from any government? If so, which one(s) and why?
- Is there a particular character you empathize with? Why? On the other side, is there a particular character you find unnerving or unlikeable?
- How did you feel about Xi Zuzou’s actions? Did you feel positively or negatively toward him? Why?
- Were you surprised by the involvement of women in high power positions in China? How does this compare to the US? What is your experience, or the experience of people you know, with women in high level positions?
- Did the way the locations in China and Africa were described make you want to travel there? Are these parts of the world interesting to you for travel? Why or why not?
- Since Wes is in New York and Maria is in Africa, what do you think will happen with their relationship? Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship? How did it turn out?
- If this became a movie, who would you like to see playing Wes and Maria? What about any of the other characters?
The Conscripted Extremist
- Were you surprised by the ending? What specifically surprised you?
- Gabe’s cellmates are suspected extreme leftists. When did you first suspect that some might not be what they purported to be?
- What did you think of Gabe’s actions and decisions as the story proceeded? If you were in Gabe’s position, what would you do?
- Do you think the US government, or governments in general, engage in actions like what happened to Gabe?
- Do you think there is a real Antifa acting as an organized or collaborative group in the US? If so, what do you think are its political views and goals?
- Were there any specific people’s actions you were surprised by? Were there particular characters you identified with? On the other side, were there characters you found to be difficult?
- How do you think the character of Jones changed throughout the story? Were you surprised by any of his actions?
- Who are the people in your life who help you when you need it, like Jasminn and Uncle Steve do for Gabe?
- If this became a movie, who would you like to see playing Gabe and Jasminn? What about any of the other characters?
