That was the worst part; they were trying to discuss it reasonably, but they kept on getting caught up on how "Not all Americans are like that!" (this part will make sense as soon as you start reading) and how they felt uncomfortable and unable to "connect" to the protag. I kept on trying to explain that they're supposed to be made uncomfortable with it, and that you don't necessarily have to be just like the character to feel like the character and sympathize and follow - this last part especially I feel is connected to the whole white male thing - you get pretty good at connecting with characters you aren't anything like when there aren't any other choices.

Wow, that's been on my chest since last fall. Sorry. It's a good book.