Book Clubbin’: 20 Discussion Questions for ‘The Sun Sets in Singapore’ by Kehinde Fadipe

For this round of our Book Clubbin’ feature, we’re taking a look at The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe, narrated by Dami Olukoya.

Basking in the perpetual sunshine of Singapore, Dara, Amaka, and Lillian find themselves ensnared in the allure of luxury—until a mysterious and handsome newcomer disrupts their close-knit community, shattering their idyllic existence. Dubbed “wanderlust-inducing” by Lola Akinmade Åkerström, this Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick unfolds against the backdrop of the Lion City, a place known for its decadent street food, world-class shopping, and lush gardens teeming with tropical blooms.

In The Sun Sets in Singapore, Kehinde Fadipe skillfully captures the vibrancy of the metropolis through the perspectives of these three resilient women. As they navigate the glittering surface of Singapore, they are about to discover that unresolved histories have a way of catching up, even in a city that seems worlds away from home. The listen promises a dazzling exploration of friendship, the complexities of female ambition, and the defining factors that shape our identities. Jenna Bush Hager, in praising the book, describes it as a captivating tale that delves into the essence of friendship, the support structures we rely on, and the intricate elements that define who we are.

If you haven’t listened to The Sun Sets in Singapore yet, take a sneak peek into our exclusive excerpt that’s sure to entice you. And if your book club is picking up this listen from Kehinde Fadipe, keep reading for our discussion questions below. Beware— SPOILERS ahead.

—————CONTAINS SPOILERS!—————

1) At the beginning of the novel, Dara reveals that she’s dedicated the last six years of her life to work, prioritizing her career over personal relationships. Did you admire Dara’s unwavering commitment to her career? Or did you find yourself questioning her prerogatives? In your own life, where do you prefer to channel your energies?

2) Before Dara moved to London to live with her mother, she lived in Lagos with her maternal grandparents. Other than a respect for formality, what do you believe Dara inherited from Granee and Grandad? How do you think being raised by grandparents who loved Nigeria and then a mother who rejected her Nigerian identity impacted Dara’s perception of her heritage?

3) Amaka buys luxury items to temporarily relieve the pain and resentment she feels toward her family, but the consolation is always short-lived. When did you realize that Amaka’s coping mechanism was having its own detrimental effects? Have you ever had a friend or family member fall into a similar situation? How did they work through it?

4) Discuss the mixed feelings Lillian has about her piano—the reasons she played and stopped playing, the connections it gave her to her parents and her past, her resentment and appreciation for it, etc. Symbolically, what did the piano represent?

5) Amaka’s mother, Ugo, was constantly worried that Amaka would “repeat her mistakes” and find herself in a situation that would force her to rely on a man’s generosity. Even as Amaka made a significant amount of money as a credit risk officer, this apprehension never went away. Do you think Amaka ever internalized this worry? How would this have impacted her relationship with Rohit, despite his kindness and reliability? Considering Amaka’s childhood, do you think her anxiety regarding men stemmed more
from her father or her mother? Why?

6) Lillian moved to Singapore with her husband, Warren, when he was transferred for work. Leaving Philadelphia, however, made her feel unmoored, lonely, and isolated. Have you ever made a similar move in your life, one that forced you completely out of your comfort zone? How did you handle the stress and uncertainty? By contrast, how did you handle the excitement? Explain.

7) At her therapist’s office, Lillian admits that, since she was young, she’s struggled to make life-altering decisions, like having a child or not. Have you ever similarly struggled? Who do you lean on when you have to make difficult choices? If you had met Lillian in real life at this stage in her journey, what advice would you have given her?

8) Lillian and Amaka (and an initially reluctant Dara) participate in an expat book club in Singapore. How did the book club foster a sense of community among its members?

9) Out of all the book club members (Kike, Yemisi, Nana, and LeToya), which character did you respond to the most? At the first meeting, what book would you have recommended that everyone read next?

10) Because Ugo’s traditional marriage to Chukwu was dissolved, and he legally married another woman, Amaka and Ugo lived apart from him, which put a great strain on the family. How did you feel learning the details of Amaka’s family dispute? Did you find yourself leaning toward the side of Amaka and Ugo or the side of Amaka’s half-siblings? Why? How would you have navigated such a conflict?

11) In Kike’s dressing room, Dara makes the following remark: “That Kike Ibusun was not the sharpest tool in the box was what Dara suspected she wanted you to believe. Dara had spent too long as an outsider at school and at Oxford not to recognize the sharpness behind that public schoolgirl insouciance. Pretending to be thick was a privilege only girls whose parents had spent half a million pounds on their education could afford.” Unpack the implications of this observation, accounting for Kike’s unique family
circumstances. Why do you think a privileged, highly educated young woman like Kike would deliberately hide her intelligence? What purpose would it serve?

12) Dara also finds it ironic that Kike—the well-connected daughter of a former governor—disapproves of the fact that Lani “had help” getting his role in Geneva: “Maybe when you [stand] on a mountain for so long, the ground [starts] to feel flat.” Discuss how the author calls attention to nepotism and class divides throughout the novel. Did you agree with Dara that Kike was unaware of her privilege in this scene?

13) The author describes the atmosphere and topography of Singapore throughout the novel, imbuing the story with real-world charm. As you were reading, what setting piqued your interest the most? Fort Canning, where Dara and Amaka went for their run? Sentosa, where Amaka and Lani had their first date? The Botanic Gardens, where Lillian and Warren had their conversation? Yishun, where Lillian move to and had dinner with Amaka at the open-air market? Why?

14) Discuss Lillian’s research into reincarnation and the events that prompted her to pursue this inquiry. How would you have responded if Lillian had shared her speculations with you directly? What are your own thoughts on reincarnation?

15) Discuss how the author highlights the economic disparities in Singapore, such as Amaka’s comment to Lani about the gap between the wealthy and the underserved, the cost of rent that Lillian considers when moving to Yishun, or the fact that residents are surrounded by luxury brands but also migrant workers, laborers who sacrifice time with their families in order to make a living in Sing dollars, often residing in cramped living quarters with extremely controlling managers.

16) At Kike’s party, Nana reprimands Dara for not reading books authored by writers like Teju Cole, Helen Oyeyemi, and Noviolet Bulawayo: “You’re basically reading a bunch of books by dead white men and leaving no space to discover your own writers.” Did you agree or disagree with Nana at this moment? When you’re choosing new books or new writers to read, what factors do you take into consideration? While reading, what is most important to you?

17) Discuss how friendships grew and changed throughout the course of the novel between Dara, Amaka, and Lillian. How did the women lean on one another? How did they hurt one another? How did they rebuild trust after it had been broken? How have friendships in your own life been ruptured and mended, and what have you learned about yourself—and others—navigating these experiences?

18) Throughout the novel, Lillian has a recurring dream where she’s drowning. What elements of her past were folded into the dream, and how did you feel reading the hypnotherapy scene in which Lillian worked through these memories with Dr. Geraldine?

19) The author weaves Greek mythology throughout the text, especially in Dara’s point of view. How did the mythological references parallel the plot of The Sun Sets in Singapore? Did the allusions enhance your experience of reading the book? Why or why not?

20) How did you feel about the end of the novel and the resolutions offered for each character? Ultimately, did events play out differently than you expected? Why or why not?


Looking for Book Recommendations?

• Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

• Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

• If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

• For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

How Audiobooks Can Help You Fall Asleep Faster and Stay Asleep Longer

Introduction: What is an Audiobook, and How Does it Impact Sleep?

Audiobooks have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to relax and unwind after a long day. But did you know audiobooks can also help you get better quality sleep? Studies have shown that listening to audiobooks before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Follow along with us today as we explore the impact of audiobooks on sleep and how they can be used to improve your sleep quality.

How Listening to an Audiobook Can Help You Combat Sleepless Nights

We all know how difficult it can be to fall asleep at night, especially when your mind is racing with thoughts you can’t control. Listening to an audiobook before bed can be a great way to help you relax and ease into sleep. Not only does it give you something else to focus on instead of worrying about the day ahead, but audiobooks also have the potential to help you fall asleep faster and avoid the temptation of endless social media scrolling before bed.

If you’re looking for an audiobook to carry you off to Dreamland, we recommend Mythos by Stephen Fry.

Benefits of Listening to a Story Before Bedtime That Will Help You Sleep Deeper and Longer

Listening to stories before bedtime can help you sleep better and longer. Audiobooks are a great way to relax and unwind before going to sleep. The soothing sound of the narrator’s voice, especially when you don’t have to pay close attention to the story, creates a lullaby effect that can help you drift off into a deep sleep. Listening to stories can also help reduce stress levels, which is important for getting quality sleep.

What are the Best Types of Audiobooks For Sleep?

Okay, so you’re ready to try it out and listen to an audiobook as you fall asleep, but where do you begin? Not all audiobooks are created equal when it comes to helping you drift off into a peaceful sleep. The best types of audiobooks for sleep include soothing soundscapes, calming stories, and narrators with relaxing voices. Whether you prefer the sound of rain falling on a lake or the gentle whispers of an audio drama, there’s an audiobook out there that can help you drift off into dreamland.

We’ve put together a list of our recommendations to get you started:

Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups by Ben Holden, narrated by Ben Holden, Esther Wane, Luke Thompson, Sandra Duncan, Gareth Armstrong

Deep Sleep Music by Yella A. Deeken, narrated by Ian Brennan

Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai, narrated by Kathryn Nicolai

Sleep Well by Sue Fuller, narrated by Sue Fuller


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

    Book Clubbin’: 8 Discussion Questions for ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus

    For this month’s Book Clubbin’ feature, we’re taking a look at the buzzy Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

    Lessons in Chemistry was Bonnie Garmus’ debut novel, and it was released to a wave of praise (us included). Not only was it nominated for two Goodreads’ Choice Awards, but it took home the crown for Best Debut Novel.

    This listen follows Chemist Elizabeth Zott as she navigates the world of STEM as a woman in the 60s. Chemistry follows her everywhere: from falling in love to hosting a cooking show, and Elizabeth finds a way to inspire change wherever she goes.

    If you’re looking for a vibrant listen full of characters that you’ll fall in love with and that will surely inspire you, then this is the one for you. And if you’re picking up Lessons in Chemistry for your book club this month, keep reading for our discussion questions below. Beware— SPOILERS ahead.

    —————CONTAINS SPOILERS!—————

    1) Why do you think Elizabeth agreed to the cooking show? And what made it so popular among women across the country?

    2) The theme of sexism was prevalent throughout the entire audiobook. Though the book is set in the 60s, some of these experiences may still hit close to home for readers. How are these issues still persisting today? What can we learn from Elizabeth and how she handled her situation?

    3) Discuss the effect that Clavin’s death had on Elizabeth and how it altered the trajectory of her life.

    4) Why do you think Elizabeth turned down Calvin’s proposal?

    5) Why do you think Bonnie Garmus included the perspective of their dog, Six-Thirty?

    6) What did you think about the reveal that it was Calvin’s mother who had funded Elizabeth’s scientific research?

    7) What do you think is next for Elizabeth and Mad?

    8) Are you looking forward to the TV-series adaptation coming soon? Do you agree with who they chose to cast for Elizabeth? Who did you have in mind?


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

    Are Audiobooks As Good As Physically Reading?

    The age-old question that always comes up when chatting about how you read: “Audiobooks don’t count as reading,” or “Audiobooks aren’t as good as reading a physical book.” We’ve heard it all before, so let’s dive into why we think audiobooks are as good and if not (dare we say) better than simply physically reading a book.

    What are audiobooks and how do they compare to physical reading?

    Audiobooks are digital audio recordings of books that can be streamed or downloaded and listened to on a variety of devices. Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer readers the convenience of being able to listen to their favorite books while doing other activities, such as commuting or exercising. But how do audiobooks compare to physically reading a book?

    Audiobooks offer many advantages over physical books, including the ability and convenience to listen at your own pace and in any environment. Additionally, audiobooks help with increased engagement with the material, and they are generally more accessible and can be helpful for those who have difficulty reading due to vision impairment, dyslexia, etc.


    What are the benefits of choosing to listen to an audiobook vs physically reading a book?

    Audiobooks are a great way to learn new information and gain knowledge. They allow you to multitask, listen while doing other activities, and can be used in any setting. Audiobooks also help you engage with the material more deeply as your mind can focus on the content without being distracted by other visual elements. With audiobooks, you can easily access a wide range of topics and learn at your own pace. You can also find audiobooks that are specifically designed for language learning, which makes them an ideal choice for those who want to improve their foreign language skills. Audiobooks provide an engaging and convenient way to learn new information and expand your knowledge base.

    While physically reading is a great way to get lost in a book and escape reality, it also has some drawbacks. Reading physical books can be time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to store or transport. Additionally, physical books may contain outdated information if they are not regularly updated. Furthermore, physical books are less interactive than digital formats such as e-books and audiobooks which often include multimedia elements and allow readers to interact with the text. Finally, physical books may require more effort for readers to take notes or highlight important passages.


    How do audiobooks help with memory retention while reading?

    Studies have shown that audiobooks can help with memory retention in a variety of ways. Research has demonstrated that people who listen to audiobooks are able to recall more information than those who read from a traditional book. Additionally, studies have found that people who listen to audiobooks retain information better over time compared to those who read books in the traditional way. This indicates that using audiobooks is an effective way of helping people remember more of what they read or heard.

    Quick stats:

    ● 85% of what we learn is learned through listening
    ● Students can listen and comprehend 2 whole grades above their reading level
    ● Audio improves comprehension by 76%
    ● Listening increases reading accuracy by 52%

    Via The Audio Publishers Association


    Can audiobooks really replace physical reading?

    With audiobooks, readers can enjoy their favorite books while on the go, without having to carry a physical copy of the book. But do audiobooks really replace or complement physical reading?

    This question is one that has been debated by readers and authors alike. While some argue that audiobooks provide a convenient and immersive experience, others believe they cannot replace the feeling of flipping through pages and engaging with text on paper. At Audiobooks.com, we’re a little biased because we looove our audiobooks, but we would never claim that they could fully replace the experience of physically reading. Audiobooks are a great alternative reading option that can benefit a multitude of people from many walks of life and for those tried and true physical readers, audiobooks can help complement the reading experience as well.


    The future of audiobooks – how are they changing?

    We have no doubt that audiobooks and their popularity are only set to grow in the future. With the rise of streaming services and availability, audiobooks are now more accessible than ever before. As technology advances, so too does the way we listen to audiobooks. From voice-activated devices such as Alexa and Google Home to apps (like ours!) that allow you to customize your listening experience with speed control, bookmarks, and track navigation there are a variety of ways for listeners to get the most out of their audiobook listening experience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative ways for people to enjoy audiobooks in the future.


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

    Book Clubbin’: 7 Discussion Questions for ‘It Starts with Us’ by Colleen Hoover

    Our Book Clubbin’ blog feature is back and this time we’re diving into the super-hyped and highly anticipated sequel to It Ends with UsIt Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover.

    In this latest listen from Hoover, we pick up where we left off in It Ends with Us where Lily runs into her childhood love, Atlas, as she settles into a co-parenting routine with Ryle. Even though Atlas and Lily think the timing could be right this time around, Ryle is still very much involved in her and her daughter’s lives. Switching between Lily and Atlas’ perspectives, It Starts with Us reveals more about Atlas’s past and follows Lily as she embraces a second chance at true love while navigating a jealous ex-husband.

    Colleen Hoover is back with another emotional listen that is sure to have you reaching for the tissues, so if you’re on the CoHo train and have also picked up It Starts with Us for your book club this month, then keep reading for our discussion questions below. Beware— SPOILERS ahead.

    —————CONTAINS SPOILERS!—————

    1) What is your interpretation of the title It Starts with Us?

    2) Do you think that this listen focused too much on new characters rather than Atlas and Lily’s relationship?

    3) Lily wrote letters to Ellen in It Ends with Us. Do you think the letters to Ellen were necessary to highlight in this sequel?

    4) Do you think Marshall made the right decision to stay with Allysa after she had cheated on him?

    5) Did Ryle’s portrayal in It Starts with Us change your opinion of him at all?

    6) How did It Starts with Us live up to what you expected for this highly anticipated sequel?

    7) Do you think that Lily, Atlas, and Ryle could all make co-parenting together work in the future?


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

    Book Clubbin’: 8 Discussion Questions for ‘It Ends With Us’ by Colleen Hoover

    It’s that time again! Our Book Clubbin’ feature is back to bring you some conversation sparking questions for your next book club meeting. Whether you and your friends have planned a full night to chat this month’s pick through, or you’ve got a virtual meeting in your calendar, these questions will keep the conversation going!

    This time around we’ve chosen It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. If you haven’t heard of Colleen Hoover yet, then chances are, you’re not as deep into #BookTok as we are over here (guilty!). Hoover’s titles have been blowing up on TikTok over the last year, and have also seen some time climbing the New York Times bestsellers list.

    In It Ends With Us, we follow Lily, who didn’t have the easiest time growing up, but now she has moved out on her own and started her own business. Then, she meets the handsome neurosurgeon, Ryle, who seems too good to be true. Ryle’s fear of commitment worries Lily more and more as she continues to fall for him and in the meantime, she’s started reminiscing about Atlas—her first love and a link to her past.

    If your book club has decided to see what all the hype is about and have chosen It Ends With Us for your next read, then you’re in luck! Keep reading for our discussion questions below. Beware— SPOILERS ahead.

    —————CONTAINS SPOILERS!—————

    1) What did you think about the format of Lily reading her letters to Ellen DeGeneres?

    2) Lily grew up witnessing an abusive relationship, how do you think this affected her relationships in the future?

    3) Why do you think Lily continued to help Atlas when they were kids despite the judgement from her family and friends?

    4) How did Lily’s relationship with Atlas differ than her relationship with Ryle? How did each help her grow as a person?

    5) After reconnecting with Atlas, why do you think Lily agrees to marry Ryle despite the anger he’s displayed?

    6) Did Hoover portray Ryle in a way that made you empathize with him despite his actions?

    7) What would you have done if you were in Lily’s situation? Do you agree with the decision she made?

    8) Why do you think Hoover titled this book, It Ends With Us?


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!