How would your friends and family describe your ability to handle chaotic situations?
- They’d say I’m the calm in the storm, always cool under pressure.
- I’m definitely the one who freaks out first, but I eventually pull it together.
- I’m a bit of a wildcard, depending on the situation. Sometimes I thrive in chaos, other times I crumble.
- I’m the planner, the one who tries to avoid chaos altogether.
You have a choice of joining Kagig’s group or staying behind in Tarsus where it’s relatively safe. Which do you choose?
- I’m joining Kagig, no question! Adventure awaits!
- As tempting as it sounds, I value safety. I’ll stay in Tarsus.
- I’d need more information. What are the risks and rewards of each choice?
- I’m a bit torn, but my gut says to stay put.
What makes you most frustrated about the Armenian crisis as depicted in the book?
- The senseless violence and injustice inflicted upon innocent people.
- The lack of action from the international community.
- The betrayal of those who were supposed to be allies.
- The feeling of helplessness in the face of such overwhelming odds.
How prepared do you think you would be to travel through a war-torn region like the one described in the book?
- I like to think I’m resourceful and adaptable, so I’d manage.
- I’m not cut out for that kind of danger. I’d be completely out of my element.
- I’d need a lot of preparation and a good team to support me.
- I’m drawn to adventure, but I also know my limits. It would depend on the specifics of the situation.
What aspect of The Eye of Zeitoon made you the most happy?
- The moments of camaraderie and hope, even amidst the darkness.
- The bravery and resilience of the Armenian people.
- The satisfying feeling when justice prevailed, even in small victories.
- The glimpses into a different time and culture.
A specific situation arises where you are forced to flee for your life from a burning kahveh. How do you react?
- I’d grab my essentials and get out of there as fast as possible, no time to panic.
- Honestly, I’d probably freeze up. I’m not good under pressure.
- I’d try to stay calm and rational, assessing the situation and finding the safest escape route.
- I’d look for someone to help, maybe team up with another person who’s also scared.
What happens if you are captured by Kurdish raiders while traveling to Zeitoon?
- I’d try to negotiate my release, using whatever leverage I could find.
- I’d accept my fate, hoping for a quick and painless end.
- I’d resist with everything I have, even if it means certain death.
- I’d try to blend in and bide my time, waiting for an opportunity to escape.
How often do you stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult?
- Whenever I see injustice, I speak up. I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo.
- It depends on the situation. If it’s something I’m truly passionate about, I’ll fight for it.
- I tend to avoid conflict, but I try to be supportive in other ways.
- I admire those who are outspoken, but I’m more of an observer
You are at a party and you overhear someone making disparaging remarks about Armenians. What do you do?
- I’d confront them directly, calling out their ignorance and prejudice.
- I’d try to engage them in a conversation, hoping to challenge their views peacefully.
- I’d walk away. It’s not worth my time or energy to argue with bigots.
- I’d find a subtle way to undermine their argument, planting seeds of doubt without making a scene.
How do you feel about the role of foreign powers in the Armenian crisis as depicted in the book?
- It’s infuriating to see how external forces manipulated the situation for their own gain.
- It’s a complex issue, but ultimately, outside intervention often does more harm than good.
- It’s a reminder that we must hold our own governments accountable for their actions on the world stage.
- It’s disheartening to see how little has changed in the century since then, with similar situations still happening today.
What’s your favorite memory of reading “The Eye of Zeitoon”?
- The scene where the Zeitoonli wives fight back against the Turks, it was so empowering.
- The moment when Monty decides to stay and fight alongside the Armenians, it was a true testament to his character.
- Any scene with Kagig, he was such a compelling and enigmatic figure.
- The final battle scene was thrilling, even though it was also heartbreaking.
How comfortable are you with taking risks, especially when the stakes are high?
- I’m a risk-taker at heart. I believe in living life on the edge.
- I weigh the risks and benefits carefully. I’m not reckless.
- I prefer to play it safe. I’m not comfortable with unnecessary risks.
- It depends on the potential reward. If the cause is important enough, I’m willing to take a chance.
When you think about the possibility of being caught in a conflict like the Armenian Genocide, what are you most concerned about?
- The safety and well-being of my loved ones.
- The loss of my freedom and basic human rights.
- The potential for violence and brutality.
- The moral dilemmas and difficult choices I might have to make.
What is most likely to make you feel down about the current state of global affairs?
- The rise of intolerance and extremism in many parts of the world.
- The ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises that plague our planet.
- The lack of progress on issues like climate change and poverty.
- The feeling that we are becoming increasingly divided as a global community.
What do you think you need to become more courageous and outspoken about the causes you believe in?
- I need to overcome my fear of judgment and speak my truth.
- I need to find my voice and develop the confidence to use it.
- I need to educate myself on the issues and feel more informed.
- I need to connect with others who share my values and support each other.
What is your strongest attribute when it comes to standing up for yourself and others?
- My unwavering sense of justice and fairness.
- My empathy and compassion for those who are suffering.
- My ability to remain calm and rational in difficult situations.
- My determination and persistence in the face of adversity.
What’s your go-to historical fiction novel when you need a dose of adventure and intrigue?
- The Count of Monte Cristo
- Shogun
- The Pillars of the Earth
- I, Claudius
What historical event do you most want to dive deep on and learn more about?
- The fall of the Roman Empire
- The Renaissance
- The French Revolution
- The American Civil War
How well do you think you stick to your convictions in the face of pressure from others?
- I’m very strong-willed. I don’t let others sway me easily.
- It depends on the situation and who is pressuring me.
- I’m a bit of a people-pleaser, so I sometimes cave under pressure.
- I try to find a compromise, but I won’t compromise my values.
Which member of Kagig’s group are you most similar to?
- Kagig, the cunning strategist.
- Monty, the brave and honorable leader.
- Gloria, the compassionate and independent woman.
- Will, the adventurous and loyal friend.
How confident are you in your ability to survive in a dangerous and unpredictable environment?
- I’m quite confident. I have a knack for adapting to challenging situations.
- I’d need to rely on my wits and instincts. It’s hard to say for sure.
- I’d be terrified, but I’d do my best to stay alive.
- I’d rather not think about it. I’m more of a homebody.
How do you handle situations where you have to question someone’s loyalty?
- I confront them directly, demanding honesty and transparency.
- I gather evidence and try to understand their motivations.
- I withdraw and distance myself, I don’t tolerate betrayal.
- I give them the benefit of the doubt, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
Do you have a strong moral compass that guides your decisions, or are you more pragmatic?
- My morals are paramount. I always strive to do what’s right, even if it’s difficult.
- I try to find a balance between my ideals and what’s practical in the real world.
- I’m a realist. I make decisions based on what’s best for me and those I care about.
- I’m still figuring it out. My moral compass is a work in progress.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter someone from a different culture or background?
- Curiosity. I love learning about new perspectives and ways of life.
- A sense of connection. I believe we have more in common than what divides us.
- Caution. I need time to get to know someone before I feel comfortable.
- Indifference. I don’t really pay attention to those kinds of things.
How do you think the events of The Eye of Zeitoon have shaped your outlook on life?
- It’s made me more aware of the importance of fighting for justice and standing up for the oppressed.
- It’s deepened my appreciation for the freedoms we often take for granted.
- It’s made me more grateful for the people in my life and the importance of human connection.
- It’s served as a reminder of the dark side of humanity and the fragility of peace.
What keeps you up at night about the current state of human rights in the world?
- The ongoing persecution of minority groups.
- The rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values.
- The lack of accountability for human rights violations.
- The apathy and indifference of those who have the power to make a difference.
Which of these themes from The Eye of Zeitoon resonates with you the most?
- The importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
- The destructive nature of prejudice and discrimination.
- The power of hope and the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of times.
- The importance of unity and solidarity in the face of oppression.
When you were a kid, how did you learn about historical events like the Armenian Genocide?
- I was fortunate to have teachers and family members who shared these stories with me.
- I discovered them through my own research and reading.
- I’m ashamed to admit that I was never taught about these events in school.
- I’ve only recently become aware of them.
You have 24 hours to do whatever you want in the world depicted in The Eye of Zeitoon, what do you do?
- I’d spend the day exploring the ancient city of Tarsus, immersing myself in the culture and history.
- I’d set out on a horseback adventure through the Taurus Mountains, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
- I’d seek out Kagig and ask to hear his stories firsthand, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of his motivations.
- I’d try to make a difference, volunteering my time at a refugee camp or offering aid to those in need.
Which of these topics or issues related to The Eye of Zeitoon is most likely to be a struggle for you to discuss?
- The graphic violence and brutality of the Armenian Genocide.
- The complex political and historical factors that led to the conflict.
- The role of religion and faith in shaping people’s actions.
- The legacy of trauma and its impact on individuals and communities.
Someone asks how you’re doing after you’ve finished reading The Eye of Zeitoon, what’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good?”
- Honestly, I’m a mix of emotions. It was a powerful and moving story, but it’s hard to process all the tragedy.
- I’m feeling inspired by the resilience of the human spirit, but also saddened by the senseless loss.
- I’m left with more questions than answers, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about this important part of history.
- I’m still grappling with the themes of the book and what they mean for me personally.
What is your absolute favorite genre of fiction to read?
- Historical Fiction
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Romance
Tell us a little about your approach to learning about new cultures and historical events.
- I’m a hands-on learner. I love to travel and experience different cultures firsthand.
- I’m a bookworm. I love to immerse myself in historical accounts, novels, and biographies.
- I’m a visual learner. I gravitate towards documentaries, films, and museums.
- I enjoy hearing people’s personal stories and learning from their experiences.
If you could choose any superpower inspired by a character from “The Eye of Zeitoon,” which one would you choose and why?
- Kagig’s cunning and strategic mind, to navigate complex situations and outsmart my opponents.
- Monty’s unwavering bravery and sense of justice, to fight for what’s right and protect the vulnerable.
- Gloria’s independence and compassion, to make a difference in the world and help those in need.
- Rustum Khan’s swordsmanship and combat skills, to defend myself and others from harm.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “massacre”?
- The horrific loss of innocent lives.
- The dangers of unchecked hatred and prejudice.
- The importance of remembering and learning from history.
- The need for justice and accountability.
What affects you the most when reading about historical events like the Armenian Genocide?
- The personal stories of survival and resilience.
- The brutality and inhumanity of the perpetrators.
- The lasting impact on the victims and their descendants.
- The failure of the international community to intervene.
What’s your idea of a perfect world when it comes to cultural understanding and tolerance?
- A world where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels a sense of belonging.
- A world without prejudice, discrimination, or violence based on race, religion, or ethnicity.
- A world where we learn from history’s mistakes and strive to create a more just and equitable future.
- A world where dialogue and understanding replace hatred and fear.
What is the trickiest part about understanding historical events from different cultural perspectives?
- Overcoming our own biases and preconceived notions.
- Navigating the complexities of language, culture, and historical context.
- Finding reliable sources of information that represent multiple viewpoints.
- Empathizing with people who may have held different values and beliefs than our own.
Do you tend to gravitate towards stories of hope and resilience, or are you drawn to the darker aspects of human history?
- I prefer stories of hope. It’s important to remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always light.
- I’m fascinated by the complexities of human nature, both good and bad. I don’t shy away from difficult stories.
- It depends on my mood. Sometimes I need a dose of hope, other times I’m in the mood for something thought-provoking.
- I appreciate a balance. Stories that acknowledge both the darkness and the light.
Do you have a support system in place for when current events become overwhelming?
- Yes, I have a close network of friends and family I can rely on for support.
- I find solace in my faith and spiritual practices.
- I prefer to process things on my own, through journaling, meditation, or spending time in nature.
- I’m still working on building a support system that works for me.