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.