General Discussion Questions to Consider
- Who are the main characters? Do you empathize with them? Are they believable?
- What style is the book written in?
- What do the characters do? Would you react in the same way? Are their actions consistent with their characters? How do the characters change throughout the book?
- What is the book about? What is the central theme? Does the theme(s) fit naturally with the story?
- What time period is it set in? Are you familiar with the time period? If set in the future, do you think it's a reasonable view of the future? What current events, if any, impact the story?
- When was the book written? Has it aged well? Do you think people will still be reading it in the future? What does it say about people's values at the time it was written? How do they compare to current values?
- Where does it take place? What effect does the location have on the characters and the story?
- What do you know about the author? Are any parts autobiographical? How does it compare to other books by the same author?
- What did you like and dislike? Would you have enjoyed any parts of it more if you read it when you were younger or older? Did it live up to your expectations? Do you agree with the "official" reviews? Was the cover appealing or intriguing? Would you give it as a gift? Will you reread it?
- How did the book affect you? Do you feel changed or challenged in any way? Did reading it help you understand anyone better - a friend, coworker, family member, or even yourself?
- What will happen to the characters next? Will there be a sequel?
- Contrast the book with others set in the same time, with similar characters, in the same genre, or by the same author, but be sure the focus is on the selected book.