1. The "Steviewondermobile" is a paean to Stevie Wonder, but could the story be centered around another artist? How would the story be different if it were a Ninasimonmobile? A Louiearmstrongmobile? A Franksinatramobile? A Beatlesmobile? A Jayzmobile?

2. Is the Right Reveren Daddy Love a sympathetic character or an unsympathetic character? Could he be both? What real-life person do you think most resembles him?

3. Is the author fair to both genders in "The Breakup Ceremony" or does one end up looking more foolish than the other?

4. Do all of the characters' names have special meaning? What is your favorite of all the characters' names in The Portable Promised Land, and what do you think it says about the character? How would you rename that character if you could? What would your name be if you lived in the world of these stories?

5. Afrolexicology Today's Biannual List doesn't define all the words given. How would you define those words? What words would you add to the list?

6. "My History" reimagines the past. Try it yourself: What historical events do you wish had happened differently or hadn't happened at all? What do you think this story is saying about the events described? Do you think it's useful to reimagine history?

7. Is "We Words" a short story? An essay? A poem? Why does it belong in a collection of more conventionally told stories? Are there any words in the story you don't recognize? Are there any words in the story you think don't belong, or words that should be added? Would "We Words" be very different if it were written five years from now? Five years ago?

8. Do you think The Black Widow's album would be successful on today's charts? Would you buy the album?

9. What would you do if you woke up to discover your five-year-old had somehow transformed into a Little Black Sambo? Why does the author make Sambo's parents Black Panthers? What does their frustration with their son's new form say about Black pride? Do you think their reactions are appropriate?

10. Flying is one of the most important themes in the collection. Why? Where does flying play an important role? What does flying symbolize?