Namesake: A Novel
#2 of 3 in The World of the Narrows Series
on Goodreads (63,283)
What’s inside...
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Following the Hello Sunshine Book Club pick Fable, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Namesake, a captivating conclusion to the duology, filled with action, emotion, and lyrical writing. Trader. Fighter. Survivor. With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and its crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when she becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme. In order to get to her intended destination she must help him to secure a partnership with Holland, a powerful gem trader who is more than she seems. As Fable descends deeper into a world of betrayal and deception, she learns that the secrets her mother took to her grave are now putting the people Fable cares about in danger. If Fable is going to save them then she must risk everything, including the boy she loves and the home she has finally found.
Character compass
Fable
West
Saint
Zola
Holland
Discussion points
What similarities and differences do you notice between yourself and the main character, Fable?
How do the relationships Fable forms help her understand her own identity?
In what ways do the challenges Fable faces shape her as a character?
What importance does the theme of trust play in the story?
How do you think the setting influences the events of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Fable's world and consider how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral decisions Fable makes throughout the book and ask your child what they would have done differently.
Highlight the importance of relationships and trust, drawing parallels to the child's own life experiences.
Examine the role of the setting, and ask your child to describe how it might feel to live in such a place.
Use examples from the book to talk about overcoming obstacles and what it means to be resilient.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding identity and heritage
Explanation: In 'Namesake: A Novel', the protagonist's journey of self-discovery emphasizes the importance of understanding one's roots and heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own family histories and cultures, promoting a sense of pride and belonging.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The main character faces numerous challenges and obstacles, showcasing the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in the face of their own challenges, whether they are academic, social, or personal.
Example Lesson: Importance of making ethical choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist is faced with complex decisions that test her morals and ethics, emphasizing the importance of integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the consequences of their actions and strive to make choices that reflect their values.
Example Lesson: Benefit of embracing change
Explanation: The story highlights how the protagonist grows by adapting to new environments and situations, learning to thrive amidst change.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children see change as an opportunity for growth, rather than something to fear.