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Arc of the Universe
How do you design a system of government from scratch when you've lost faith in government itself?
Carrie Davenport, a renowned constitutional law professor, has the career opportunity of a lifetime. Project Mars, the brainchild of a billionaire tech tycoon, has ambitious plans to establish the first human settlement on Mars. And Project Mars selected her—a Black, queer, publicity-shy professor in North Carolina—to design a system of government for the colony.
Carrie eagerly researches how to craft a suitable constitution for space. But when she is stopped by the police one evening in a case of mistaken identity, the filmed encounter thrusts Carrie into a spotlight she never asked for, putting her at the center of the discourse on racial justice in the US. Suddenly, American democracy doesn’t seem like a shining beacon to carry into space. Carrie must decide whether to speak up—against the police brutality she endured, the tech-bro culture of Project Mars, and an even deeper underbelly of corruption behind the mission.
Can Carrie regain faith in herself and in society to craft the “government of the future” and prevent the prejudices of Earth from tainting human life beyond?
An inventive and thought-provoking work of contemporary fiction exploring social justice, law, and moral courage.
These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, DartFrog Books.
Book club questions for Arc of the Universe by Nikki Alexander
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
The title “Arc of the Universe” comes from a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” How do you interpret Dr. King’s words? Do the events that unfold in the book represent a step toward justice?
If you could design a new government from scratch, what would be your priority? What values would you emphasize? Equality? Independence? Respect?
Say travel to Mars is feasible in 2032. Would you make the trip? What would be your biggest concern?
What is the impact of facing personal tragedy at the same time as professional challenges?
Carrie struggles with Adam’s belief that he is better suited to hold her leadership position. How might this reflect the experience of marginalized people at work?
How does newfound romantic interest impact Carrie’s self confidence and sense of self following her divorce? How does it tie in to the other themes in the novel?
What scene did you find most powerful or satisfying?
Where is the United States headed when it comes to technology, wealth, power, influence, and space travel? In the right direction? If not, what kinds of changes are needed?
What can you do to make society more equitable and inclusive?
Arc of the Universe Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the Arc of the Universe discussion questions