Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

1. What did you think of the book's title? Did you figure out its meaning before it was revealed toward the end of the book? Do you think the phrase is apt?
2. The first sentence of the novel has Chia musing, "I have always longed to be known, truly known, by another human being." What do you feel she means? Do you think what she desires is possible? How does this theme play out through the course of the book?
3. The plot is set during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. What do you think of the way the main characters reacted to the lockdown? How were their experiences similar to or different from your own?
4. Chia also thinks, "Where have all the years gone, and have I made the most of life? But what is the final measure for making the most of life, and how would I know if I have?" How would you answer her?
5. Chia, Omelogor and Zikora are pressured to marry and have children, particularly by their Nigerian relatives and culture. How is each influenced, and how does each pursue this goal? Do you feel Western cultures are guilty of exerting pressure to marry and have children as well?
6. What did you think of Omelogor's "Dear Men" column? Did you agree or disagree with any of the advice she gave? Which bits?
7. Chia asks Chuka, "Do you sometimes want to escape and find another life?" Why do you think she sometimes feels trapped? Have you ever felt similarly?
8. In what ways do the characters' experiences of racism differ based on their gender, background, and geographical location? What racial barriers do Zikora and Chia in particular face as they pursue their careers?
9. Zikora thinks that "In an unfinished dying, you feel you must mourn but you can't even begin, because you haven't reached an end that you understand." She places the end of her relationship with Kwame in this category and is unable to move on. Do you relate to this statement? What advice would you give someone in her situation?
10. Chia, Zikora and Kadi all pray. What role does faith play in each of these women's lives?
11. What did you think of Kadi's story? Why do you think the hotel was so insistent on prosecuting the guest who raped her, even though she herself didn't want to pursue charges? What roles did race and nationality play in her experience? Were you surprised at her response once the case's outcome was made public?
12. Omelogor asks Hauwa, "Isn't that what friendship is, to want each other's approval?" What did you think of this statement? What's your definition of friendship?
13. Omelogor gets into an argument with a bank manager over a road named after an officer who murdered hundreds of Igbo people. "Well," he tells her, "You know they don't want us to learn our history." She responds, "Go and learn your history. It's not anybody's responsibility to teach you." What did you think of this scene? Do you agree with Omelogor?
14. Zikora tells Omelogor and Chia that "every woman has a story…where a man has lied to her or betrayed her and left her with consequences." Do you think this is true?
15. Why do you feel there's so much animosity between Zikora and Omelogor?
16. Aside from Kadi, a character written to tug at our heartstrings, which woman held the most appeal for you?
17. What do you think each of the women's lives might look like ten years after the conclusion of Dream Count?
18. Is there a quote or scene in the novel that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
19. What audience would you recommend Dream Count to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style? If you've read the author's other works, how does this one compare?
20. Overall, what did you think of Dream Count? (no spoilers, please!)

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Knopf. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.