Some Typical Discussion Questions

While reading a book, a club member should reflect on these questions, and research other supplementary materials. This is most important if you are leading the book discussion.

• Did you like the book? If you have read any of the author's other books, how does this compare?
• What is this book's message?
• How did you feel about the characters? Whom did you like or not like and why?
• What did you think of the ending?
• In a movie version, who would play what parts?
• How did you feel when the character did or said....How do you think the character felt when she did or said...?
• If questions...e.g. If the characters had done this instead, how would the story have changed?
• What do book reviews say about this book or more generally the author, and her past works?
• What did you think of the plot line development? How credible did the author make it?
• What moral/ethical choices did the characters make? What did you think of those choices? How would you have chosen?
• How authentic is the culture or era represented in the book?
• Why do you think the author wrote this? What is her most important message?
• How do you think the main character's point of view is similar or different from the author's point of view or background?
• What is the author's background (her style, stature and focus)?
• How does the setting figure as a character in the story?
• Are the characters' actions the result of freedom of choice or of destiny?
• Is there any moral responsibility that was abdicated?
• Are there any symbols that may have cultural, political or religious reference? e.g. flag, tree, rose.
• What type of vision does the author use with her word choice? Is it optimistic, pessimistic, prophetic, cautionary, humourous, satirical, venomous, cathartic?
• What effects do the events (time, nationality, physicality) have on the character's self or personality?

Remember to check the publisher's website for your book of choice. Usually a publisher will include some questions specific to a book.