Black Swan Impact Book Club Questions
The questions listed below may be found at the end of any copy of Black Swan Impact.
1. Had you heard of the term ‘black swan incident’ or ‘black swan event’ before reading Black Swan Impact? If you had heard of it previously, when did you learn about it and in what context? If you hadn’t heard of it previously, will you embrace the term, and how will you use it in the future?
Individual answers will vary concerning who knew what, when, and
how they will utilize the phrase. However, adding some background
may enhance the discussion. As the Prologue to Black Swan Impact
states, the discovery of black swans in Australia caused a dramatic
response from astonished 17th century Western scientists, leading to
the term’s meaning, “A catastrophic incident that no one could have
foreseen or imagined because of its unprecedented impact.”
Nevertheless, the Prologue does not inform readers of how it found its
way into modern culture.
In the early 2000s, a finance professor introduced his theory regarding
startling and historically devastating economic crises, and the concept
of a black swan has gained traction by other business professionals.
Most notably, emergency managers, the intelligence community, and
first responders have universally embraced the idiom ‘black swan
incident’ or ‘event’ ubiquitously because they have always understood
that natural or man-made disasters can be unfathomable and
overwhelming.
2. Why do politicians in 2113 refer to China and The Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as Odile Major and Odile Minor respectively, and why was that included in the Prologue?
In Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, Swan Lake, the prima ballerina
dances the role of two characters: Odette and Odile. They are the white
swan, the protagonist, and the black swan, the antagonist, respectively.
Further, the meaning of a black swan incident or event is commonly
known. Since Odile is the villain, politicians use the erudite reference
behind closed doors to describe the two provocative nations, and it is
hint of what is to come in the novel.
The government of China is responsible for the devastation caused by
the Pyongyang Virus and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
is the first to suffer greatly because of it. With consent from the Piper
Administration, the Chinese government uses Neutrocarbon Cluster
missiles to level the DPRK in an effort to stop the spread. The drastic
action is too late because PYV outbreaks continue unabated.
3. When readers first meet Syia and Paul Case, they find that the couple is having marital difficulty and are separated. What were the major causes for the rift and how do they find reconciliation?
Syia and Paul are at odds because Syia has not been able to accept the fact that she could not bring a child into the world via natural means, and Paul has turned away from sharing the grief. They have consumed themselves with work as a way to avoid each other and escape their problems. Then, Syia decides she will go to China to work with Tahnee to finalize the estrangement until an explosion in Tahnee’s lab not only prevents Syia from going to China but fills her with more
grief due to the loss of her friend. She seeks succor from Paul, and they spend the night together. Syia has a nightmare and is shaken at the thought of Paul dying. She almost runs away from him again, but he convinces her that wants her to stay and that he cares. Ultimately, Syia realizes that she loves him and wants to recommit to the relationship.
4. Why doesn’t President Daniel Piper immediately listen to his advisors concerning a threat arising in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea?
Daniel Piper is the first Innovative Party President with charisma and
political wherewithal to advance the United States to become the
richest, most powerful, and completely envied country for its
unparalleled innovations. Further, he expects his aspirations will not
just be realized globally, but across the universe, as well. Therefore,
he requires all government efforts to focus on his agenda. In his mind,
a war or highly contagious disease would detract resources, which
could derail his goals, making him refuse to recognize any threats
initially.
5. What is the dynamic between Syia, Paul, and Daniel, and how does that affect the plot?
Originally, Syia and Daniel were high school sweethearts, and then
Paul and Daniel were business partners. Daniel’s wife and Syia
became good friends, and Cecilia introduced Syia and Paul to one
another. After Cecilia died, Daniel, Syia, and Paul remained friends,
but Daniel oversteps bounds with Syia, driving a wedge between the
two business partners. The sexual tension not only lingers but
escalates. Finally, Daniel brutally punishes both Paul and Syia because
he cannot have her for himself. Paul dies, Syia suffers serious physical
and emotional wounds, and Daniel must accept the consequences for
his heinous actions.
6. How do the ‘Windows’ for each chapter enhance the novel, and what was your favorite ‘Window’?
Each chapter of Black Swan Impact begins with a ‘Window’. The
author chose the name ‘Window’ because the architectural feature
usually is a transparent opening that provides views to that which
otherwise would be obstructed or unobservable. Some of the
‘Windows’ relate directly to their given chapters while others present
backstories. Regardless of whether the passages are directly or
indirectly related to the chapters, they offer details that would not be
enjoyed otherwise.
Answers regarding a favorite ‘Window’ will vary, but book club
members should explain why they picked their particular ‘Windows’
of choice.
7. What new technology finally reveals the true seriousness of the microbial threat, and did you find its function an appropriate futuristic element?
The MOLE Platform, or Molecular Observer of Latent Environments
Platform, collects images and signals from the subterranean Hermit
Kingdom (DPRK). It can glean intelligence from inside the caverns
environment virtually and reveals a nightmarish scene to President
Piper and his advisors. Its futuristic function becomes extremely
valuable because other methods of intelligence collection could not
display the visceral images like a woman standing on a bridge and
cupping her face with tissue sloughing off like Edvard Munch’s
painting The Scream. The mayhem viewed within the caves so
unnerves everyone, including Piper, that the focus of the US
government turns to battling the new threat with every resource.
8. Would you be a Carpdee or an Ostrich if you were living in USA when the Pyongyang Virus outbreak occurs, and why?
Answers will vary as to why each person will choose one category or
the other. Each of the choices has merits, but book club members
should specify why their choices are best for them. The choices will
be predicated on the classification of each.
If some choose to be ‘Carpdees’, they would want to be located in non
lockdown states to enjoy their days left to the fullest. The Latin phrase,
‘carpe diem’, means seize the day, so moniker comes from splicing the
two ancient words together. In other words, they would prefer to live
without restrictions of any kind.
If some choose to be ‘Ostriches’, they would prefer to live in a
lockdown state. They would keep away from others to the greatest
extent possible, holing up in their residences and depend on the
government to provide food and other necessary supplies.
9. Syia and Paul want to resign, but Daniel does not accept their
resignations. Why doesn’t he allow them to leave government service, and what does he reveal to garner their sympathy?
When the Pyongyang Virus strikes US soil, Daniel must depend on his
most trusted advisors and friends despite the tensions that prompt Syia and Paul to write resignation letters. Therefore, Piper will not accept their resignations. However, there is more to the complexities of their relationships. Daniel explains that he has been struggling with keeping his bipolar disease under control during the crisis. Syia and Paul understand his ailment and rally to support him as a friend and
President.
10. Other than Syia and Paul Case, who are some other characters that stand up to the increasingly irrational president, and why do they matter?
Marla Estes, Scott Yaretzi, and General Norman are the three other
characters who figure prominently in standing up to Daniel Piper’s
tyrannical actions. Estes and Yaretzi seek legal recourses to stop the
decay of democracy. However, Piper learns of Estes and Yaretzi’s plan
to invoke the 25th Amendment and has them dispatched to Florida
along with Paul. Being sent to the Carpdee state is tantamount to a
death sentence since the state is overwhelmed with the highly
contagious and virulent outbreak. Conversely, Norman succeeds in
keeping his actions hidden from Piper’s sphere. Over time, Norman
orchestrates a military intervention—a coup—to restore democracy.
11. Were you surprised by Syia being marooned in Alaska, and why was it fortuitous for her to be abandoned there?
Answers will vary regarding the surprise, but the fact that Syia was
castaway to Alaska was fortuitous because of her background. She
climbed mountains skillfully from the earliest age in Nepal and kept
up the activity into adulthood. Such expertise comforted her as she
planned her escape over the mountains. Additionally, she was a
member of the Sherpa people, so she had a special connection to
Native Americans. That connection gave her a bridge to seek
assistance from a member of the Haida Band. The Tlingit and Haida
Indian Tribes of Alaska volunteered to smuggle Syia out like the
Underground Railroad of the 19th Century. Ultimately, the escape
never occurred due to the rescue raid. However, had the raid not taken
place, Syia likely would have found freedom through the help from
the Native Americans.
12. How do the characters Blake Johnson, Chris Kelly, Brienne Miller, and Bridgette Miller affect Syia during her captivity in Alaska, and how do they affect her desire to escape?
Being the ‘Magistrate’ and all-around thug, Blake Johnson controls
Syia’s captivity. He keeps her on a short leash to include living in his
cabin where he displays abhorrently crude and misogynistic behaviors.
All of those elements exacerbate the already awful circumstances of
her imprisonment and confirm to Syia how important it is for her to
escape.
Chris Kelly, on the other hand, provides Syia some solace and
friendship in the otherwise hostile environment. Further, he literally
saved her life by performing surgery on her and administering
restorative aid. Had Chris not been there, she would have died upon
her arrival. Instead, he helped her to regain strength and resolve so that she could escape. Finally, Chris designed the plan for her escape and had a contact with the Haida Band, who would give her a way to
further her success.
Syia did not have direct contact with Brienne Miller, but Brienne
influenced her greatly. The statement, “I am a strong and independent
woman,” scribbled on the floor of Syia’s prison cell buoyed her when
she felt defeated. Perhaps if Syia hadn’t seen those inspirational words,
she would have given up completely. Instead, she determined that she
would adopt the same sentiments.
Finally, Bridgette affected Syia because the girl exemplified why Syia
needed to escape. Moreover, Syia felt compassion for the troubled teen
and valued the short interaction they shared. Little did either of them
know that they would become friends when they were freed from the
Alfa Section, but it would become a treasured friendship.
13. Did the trial scene allow you to feel empathy for Daniel Piper and why or why not?
Answers will vary. However, either way, the fact that Piper shows
remorse and has struggled to return to health will factor into all
answers one way or another.
14. Were you surprised to discover the origin of the virus and why or why not?
The virus is an extraterrestrial microorganism, and answers will vary
regarding the surprise factor concerning its origin. Syia is not shocked
by the fact that the pathogen came from space, but she is angered by
the irresponsible actions of not irradiating outer space mined material
before sending it to Earth.
15. Who is Syia’s ‘angel and godsend’ and why?
Marla, her daughter, is Syia’s ‘angel and godsend’. Readers should
recall that Syia and Paul unsuccessfully tried to have a baby via natural
means for many years. This pregnancy was a welcomed wonder to her
but also bittersweet. Syia is angry that Paul will never meet his
daughter. However, she can rejoice in her ‘miracle baby’ and
gratefully remember her friends, Marla and Chris, who were so
important to her and her lost love.
16. Make up your own question.
You may wish to ask something else. Feel free to let the discussion flow organically and have fun.
Black Swan Shock Book Club Questions
The questions listed below may be found at the end of any copy of Black Swan Shock.
1. Do you know anyone with Down syndrome, and does that help you to understand how it may or may not affect those diagnosed with it?
Your book club may wish to learn more about Down syndrome by visiting the NDSS Website at https://ndss.org/ to improve the discussion. On the National Down Syndrome Society Website, in its About Down syndrome section, you will find the following explanation, “In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.”
Then the section called, What impact does Down syndrome have on
society? states, “Individuals with Down syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organizations, such as schools, health care systems, work forces, and social and recreational activities. Individuals with Down syndrome possess varying degrees of cognitive delays, from very mild to severe. Most people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays that are mild to moderate.”
2. Did you find Marla’s abilities and actions throughout the novel
acceptable or too fantastic, and why or why not?
Answers will vary widely. Everyone should share their opinions and
explain why.
3. Do you think Dr. Syia Case took the right approach to showcase DS17X1915 with Marla via a tour that introduced both the scientific data and the ethical and moral implications of bringing the drug to market, and should such a discussion be part of any newly developed pharmaceutical?
Answers will vary. However, this conversation can be lively when
considering the ethical and moral issues that may be associated with many pharmaceuticals. Discussions might address how such forums might benefit consumers and even marketing. The conversation might even include debating that some current medications should have been similarly scrutinized.
4. Which female character stands out most to you and why?
There are three strong women characters in this novel: Marla, Syia, and Bridgette. Each has flaws, yet each one overcomes her flaws to rise to the challenges inflicted by a devastating earthquake. Answers regarding character flaws and strengths will vary. Some might argue that one or more characters may or may not overcome flaws despite their courageous responses to the earthquake. Others might point out that one or more of the women overcome their flaws and stand out heroically. Regardless, all opinions should be backed up with supportive explanations.
5. Was Bridgette kind or reckless when she recounted some medical emergencies to Marla and then taught her some medical interventions?
Some might argue that Bridgette was kind to tell Marla some paramedic stories and then teach her some medical interventions because Marla was interested and thoughtful as she absorbed the information. Further, Bridgette stressed that Marla should not use the techniques until she had proper training. Others might argue that Marla should not be burdened with such information.
6. In the passage where Bridgette is recounting the active shooter incident, she describes how she discovered that using electrodes could treat a sucking chest wound. When the author was a paramedic who was the first medical provider to enter a building for an active shooter call, she had shed much of her gear when crawling in. Confronted with multiple traumatically injured victims, she applied an electrode to treat a patient with a sucking chest wound. The action had never been considered or taught as an alternative way to aid anyone compromised by that injury. Because of that successful treatment, the alternative action was included in subsequent paramedic protocols. Using that as an example: What never before considered or invented change have you made?
Everyone who wishes to share their experiences should describe in detail the circumstances of how they considered or invented change and how it became beneficial henceforth.
7. Did you appreciate the historical 1811–1812 New Madrid Earthquake facts in addition to the fictitious factors that challenged the characters impacted by the 2141 New Madrid Earthquake?
The discussion may be lengthy, and opinions may vary widely. Some
members of your group might have known about the New Madrid Seismic Zone before reading Black Swan Shock. Others might not have known anything about it. Information about the New Madrid Seismic Zone can be found at the United States Geological Survey Website: https://www.usgs.gov/naturalhazards/earthquake-hazards/science/new-madrid-seismic-zone?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. There you can read about New Madrid Seismic Zone’s history and other associated facts. In particular, you might learn that the earthquakes of 1811–1812 devastated the region and its people just as they did in this fictitious novel. During that span in the nineteenth century, three shocks stood out from the many because they likely equaled magnitudes between seven and eight on the Richter Scale in addition to other smaller ones. A primary source reported that bells in some Boston churches rang when the Midwest experienced the jumbo shocks. Another source revealed that the flow of the Mississippi River reversed for a short time after a particularly strong quake. Scientists believe violent activity
in the New Madrid Seismic Zone equaling that of 1811–1812 occurs every 500 years. The author incorporated those historical facts into this novel. Your group might enjoy finding other associated earthquake facts that might have
been woven into the storyline.
8. When the 2141 New Madrid Earthquake struck, the main characters of the story were in separate locations. How did their locations affect the way each reacted to the emergency, and what would you have done in their plight?
Answers will vary. Each person will have a different point of view even if they choose to discuss the same character’s plight.
9. Did you find Marla’s application of her athletic training coupled with her new medical knowledge successful tools in the plot? Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
10. How did Cookie, Javier, Captain Birdsong, the mayor, and Colton influence the main characters and each other during the most trying hours after the earthquake?
An example for the discussion could focus on the likelihood that Marla might not have been able to continue without Cookie. Among many things, Cookie drew Marla’s attention to Uncle Chris when he was pinned in the floating debris, rallied help from the survivors in the park and the mayor, and ensured the EOC got a truck operated by an engineering crew that found Syia.
11. Do you think that the author intended the struggles of the mother and daughter inflicted by the earthquake to be so completely different, and if you believe so, why?
Both Marla and Syia lived through the same devastating earthquake not far from one another, but each experienced it very differently. Marla never became trapped, while Syia suffered in a confined crypt. Group members may conclude that Marla had the opportunity to grow in the open, free from her mother, and Syia was forced to accept her mortality and her daughter’s continuance of life without her. Conversely, the members may decide there is no underlying symbolism whatsoever. In either case, the group should cite examples to back their arguments one way or another.
12. Did the ESHICON Implant come back to haunt Syia and Marla, and do you think it may be a harbinger for the third book in the trilogy?
The ESHICON Implant does come back in a shocking way. At the
beginning of the book, Marla is lobbying for the modern device. She wants one and thinks her mother should get one, as well. Syia, on the other hand, believes it is an invasive mass that should not be put in the body (much less near the brain). Marla relents, and the readers likely forget about it for the most part until the final chapter. In Chapter 44, the ESHICON Implant belonging to the greeter at The Super Moon Resort explodes. Then Alex’s final statement at the end of the chapter confirms the incident is a harbinger of what might be coming. He says, “Yes, my detective senses are on high alert.”
Black Swan Terror will be the third book in the trilogy. The Black Swan
in this novel is a terrorist attack. The 2142 Olympics will be the first-ever celestial games on the Moon. Supporters and subversives focus on the coveted and pioneering event, making it a security nightmare for officials to protect the athletes, spectators, and environmental dome in an otherwise inhospitable environment.
13. The author begins each chapter with “Windows” in this second Black Swan novel just as she used them in the first one of the series. Vettori chose the name Window because the architectural feature usually is a transparent opening that provides views to that which otherwise would be obstructed or unobservable. Some Black Swan Shock Windows relate directly to their given chapters while others present backstories. Which Window or Windows enhanced the novel most in your opinion
and why?
Answers will vary, but each person expressing a choice for one or more Windows should explain why that particular Window or those particular Windows improved the story and/or their reading experience.
14. Why do you think the author added the Epilogue?
The epilogue to Black Swan Shock brings the interactions between Quincy and Purcell to a pinnacle, and these two characters are primarily seen in several Windows (although Dr. Purcell experiences the earthquake in Nepal extracted from Syia’s memory via the encephetrieve scan). In it, they confirm that they have developed an uber-strong and smart polymer. Could their invention factor
into the plot of Black Swan Terror?
15. This final query focuses on personal emergency preparedness. Ask the question in bold font below without reading further until book club members have answered, “Yes,” “No,” or “I don’t know.” The reason for doing so is to gauge the group’s perception of their personal emergency preparedness. It is not intended to embarrass anyone, so explain that they may decline to answer it or any of the other discussion points.
Do you believe you are prepared well enough to sustain yourself and
those who live with you, including your pets, during a Black Swan event if it were to strike minutes from now?
After all contributing members have answered, ask those who answered ‘yes’ if they would like to explain what plans and preparations they have made to protect themselves and their loved ones. Then invite those who answered that they are unsure if they are ready if they may be willing to explain what they believe they still must do to be able to answer ‘yes’. Next give those who answered ‘no’ an opportunity to explain why they believe they are not ready for a crisis. Finally, read the questions below. The questions are meant to encourage members to evaluate their overall personal emergency planning and preparedness. As the questions are read, book club members should think to themselves if they can answer ‘yes’. Each member should count the total number of ‘yes’ answers. Ensure that everyone understands that they do not need to share their final tally unless they wish to do so. The purpose of this list is to draw the book club members’ attention to their individual excellent, good, or weak emergency preparedness in a constructive and supportive environment. Everyone will always have individual needs and actions in widely varying disaster conditions. The questions are not specifically tailored but can encourage members to evaluate their overall personal emergency planning and preparedness.
To mitigate or negate great hardships for me, my loved ones, including
my pets, and my community when a major disaster strikes, …
A. I understand that my local, state, or federal government cannot serve me immediately and that I must be self-reliant for a minimum of 72 hours.
B. I keep a supply of potable water to sustain me and those living with
me for a minimum of 72 hours.
C. I keep a supply of non-perishable food to sustain me and those living with me for a minimum of 72 hours.
D. I keep a supply of medication(s) to sustain me and those living with
me for a minimum of 72 hours.
E. I maintain CPR and Stop the Bleed training and keep a first aid kit that includes at least one tourniquet.
F. I keep a supply of cash to sustain me and those living with me for a
minimum of 72 hours.
G. My family and I have an emergency communication/reunification plan that can function even when infrastructure is compromised.
H. I maintain a Go Bag that can be used immediately when officials call for an evacuation.
I. I keep at least half a tank of fuel in my vehicle(s).
J. I use Ready.gov or some other emergency preparedness guidance to plan and prepare myself and my loved ones for many hazardous
threats.
If you answered ‘yes’ to all 10 questions, you likely are better prepared for a major incident than most people.
If you answered ‘yes’ to 7 to 9 questions, you may be more prepared for a major incident than the average person.
If you answered ‘yes’ to fewer than 7, you should consider developing an emergency preparedness plan and implementing the associated preparedness actions because major calamities strike hard and often without notice.
Ready.gov is a good site to visit at least annually, even if you believe you are well prepared for disastrous emergencies. Its URL is easy to remember— https://www.ready.gov/. You may also consider seeking information and tools from your local emergency management agency.