Colored Television

Jane's mixed race is central to her identity. What do you think Senna, who is mixed race herself, is trying to say about mixed identity and about race in America?

Talk about the distinction between biracial or mixed race and "mulatto" as articulated by Jane in this novel.

Would you want to read Jane's second novel, "Nusu Nusu" (aka "Mulatto War and Peace")?

Explore the tensions between art for art's sake and commercialism. What do you think the novel is trying to say about the role of art and especially about being an artist?

Have you ever lived, or do you think you could ever see yourself living, like Jane and her family who sublet and housesit without a permanent home of their own? What are the upsides to such a transitory existance? What are the downsides?

Where is the line between financial security and aspirational luxury? What does Jane aspire to, and why? What is the impact of this desire on her and on those around her?

Jane makes many questionable decisions throughout the course of this novel. Did you understand why she did what she did, or did you just want to shake her?

Who was your favorite character and why?

The novel is dark, and funny, but at times sentimental. What did you think about the tone of the novel, and would you have liked to see the author lean harder in one direction or another?

What did you think of the end? Did you predict the twist?