Typical Discussion Questions

So, here are some typical discussion questions that I got off the website www.canadianbookclubs.com that you may want to keep in mind. While reading a book, you should reflect on these questions and and if you are leading the book discussion you may want to research other supplementary materials.

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 his/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 his/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 (his/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?

What type of vision does the author use with his/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?

Also, remember to check the publisher's website for the current book of choice. Usually a publisher will include some questions specific to a book.