So you’ve chosen The Pits as your next book club selection? That’s so cool! And don’t worry, I’m here to help.
Looking to liven up your book club? Bummed out by basic, boring book clubs? Well, you’ve come to the right place. These sample questions aren’t here to quiz you or make you feel like you’re back in English class. Nope! They’re here to spark curiosity, stir up opinions, and help everyone dig a little deeper into the story…maybe even deeper within ourselves. And they’re not just for The Pits; you can use these for any book.
Whether you’re the type who highlights entire paragraphs, flags pages with sticky notes, or someone who just skimmed the last chapter five minutes before the meeting (no judgment!), these questions give everyone a jumping-off point. They help readers explore characters, themes, and plot twists—and maybe even discover things we missed the first time around.
Plus, they keep the conversation flowing so we don’t end up just saying, “I liked it,” and then we all awkwardly sip our wine in silence. Hey. And if you’re really looking to liven things up, send me an invite. If I can, I’ll swing by for a little in-person Q&A.
Happy Reading!
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION GUIDE
Style / Structure / Voice
- Did the author use a chronological, thematic, or episodic structure to tell their life story in the book, and how did this choice enhance their narrative?
- How did the author develop their voice and personality in the book? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any humor, honesty, or insight that made them memorable or relatable?
- How did the author’s personality and character come across in the book? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any strengths, weaknesses, or quirks that made them unique or influential?
- Did you find the author’s writing style easy to read or hard to read? How long did it take you to get into the book?
- How did the author use literary devices, techniques, or styles to tell the story and create an effect on the reader? And to what effect? (things like…metaphors, imagery, dialogue, symbolism, irony, foreshadowing, alliteration, simile, sentence structure, figurative language, tone, voice, punctuation, word choice, etc.)
- Discuss the author’s use of metaphors or imagery to convey their ideas or emotions.
- How did the author’s writing style enhance or detract from the story or the message of the book?
- How did the author’s choice of how to frame and organize the book impact its effectiveness for you?
- How would you describe the author’s writing style in a few words?
- Did the author’s style and voice suit the genre and tone of the book?
- What did you think of the narrative voice or point of view? Did it add depth to the story or create confusion?
- What did you think of the writing style? Did it enhance or detract from the story?
- In what ways did the author’s writing style and narrative approach contribute to the book’s impact in communicating the subject?
- What did you like or dislike about the author’s writing style and why?
- How does the book’s structure (e.g., linear, nonlinear, multiple viewpoints) contribute to the story?
- How honest do you think the author was being?
- What do you think the author’s writing process might have been like for this book? How might they have approached research, character development, or plotting?
Pacing
- How would you describe the pacing of the story? Was it too fast, too slow, or just right?
- How did the pacing differ from the beginning, middle, and end? Was it done well?
Chapters
- Which chapter did you like best and why?
- Which chapter did you like least and why?
- What did you think of the chapter titles?
- What are your thoughts on the length of the chapters?
Setting
- How did the author use the setting and context of the book to enhance the subject’s life story and perspective? Did the author succeed in creating a sense of time, place, or culture?
- How did the author use sensory details to bring the setting to life?
- How did the setting contribute to the characters and the plot? Was it a place you would want to visit?
Characters
- What did you think of the main character? Did they make any decisions that you disagreed with in response to the conflict of the novel?
- Did you like or dislike the characters, and why? Did it influence how much you enjoyed the book?
- Did the author do a good job of creating distinct and complex characters?
- Which character’s actions or decisions had the biggest impact on the plot, and how did it change the story?
- Which character’s actions or decisions did you find the most surprising or unexpected?
- Did the characters’ motivations seem believable to you? Why or why not?
- Did any characters change significantly throughout the book? If so, in what way?
- How do the relationships between characters develop or change throughout the story?
- What did you think of the dialogue between the characters? Did it feel natural or forced?
- How do the characters’ pasts influence their actions and decisions in the story?
- Which character did you relate to the most and why?
- Were there any characters you disliked or found frustrating? Why?
- Which character would be your ideal dinner guest and why?
- What motivated a character to do what they did?
- If you could give a piece of advice to any character, what would it be?
- If you could ask any character a question, what would it be?
- Did any of the characters remind you of anyone?
- Can you think of any real-life people who share traits with the characters in the book? How do these similarities affect your perception of the characters?
- Which character or moment prompted the strongest emotional reaction for you? Why?
- How does the way the characters see themselves differ from the way others see them?
- If the book were made into a movie, who would play each of the lead characters?
- How did the author portray the other people in their life in the book? What was their influence or impact on the author’s life choices or outcomes?
- Why do you think the author behaved as they did? What did we learn about her from her decisions?
- Think about the other people in the book besides the author. How would you feel to have been depicted in this way?
Plot
- How did the author create interest and engagement in the book? What were the main events or turning points that shaped their life story? How did they capture your attention and curiosity?
- Did the author do a good job of organizing the plot and moving it along?
- Were there any subplots that you found particularly interesting or compelling? Why?
- Did the book have any twists, turns, or big reveals? If so, what were they? Were they believable? Did you see them coming, or were you caught off guard?
- Were there any plot twists that shocked you? That you loved? That you hated?
- Were there any plot holes or inconsistencies that bothered you? What gaps do you wish the author had filled in?
- Were there points where you thought the author shared too much?
- Are there any unanswered questions or unresolved issues that you wish the author had addressed?
- What (if any) questions do you still have about the plot?
- If you could change one aspect of the plot, what would it be, and how would it alter the story?
Scenes
- What scene would you point out as the pivotal moment in the narrative? How did it make you feel?
- What scene resonated with you most on a personal level? Why? How did it make you feel?
- What were the most memorable moments or scenes in the book? Why did they stand out to you?
Ending
- How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the conclusion or reflection of the author’s life journey, or did you have any questions or doubts left unanswered? Did it inspire you or challenge you in any way? Why or why not?
- If you could change one thing about the book’s ending, what would it be?
- If the book had a sequel, what do you think would happen next? What would you want it to be about?
- Sometimes books start off strong, but have endings that fall a little flat, and some are a little hard to get into at first, but are enjoyable after a while. How did you find this one?
Summary
- How would you describe the book in one sentence? What is the main point or purpose of the book?
- How would you summarize the story if you were to recommend it?
Themes / General Content
- How did the author explore topics such as identity, family, relationships, career, or spirituality?
- Did you find the author to be a reliable narrator of their own history? Why or why not?
- How did the author create interest and engagement in the book? What were the main events or challenges that shaped the subject’s life story? How did they capture your attention and curiosity?
- What were the main themes or messages of the book, and how did they relate to the story?
- What are some of the limitations or biases of the book? How does it reflect the author’s background, perspective, or agenda?
- How did the author balance the action and/or violence with the psychological and emotional aspects of the story?
- How did the author generate suspense and tension throughout the book? How did they initially draw you in? What techniques did they use to keep you hooked and on edge?
- How did the author explore themes such as justice, morality, revenge, loyalty, or survival?
- Were there any themes or symbols that stood out to you? How did they enhance the story?
- How did the author handle the passage of time in the story? Did it feel smooth or disjointed?
Subject Matter / Persuasion
- What was the main message or theme of the book, and how did it impact you?
- What did you already know about this book’s subject before you read this book? What new or surprising things did you learn? What questions do you still have?
- How did the author engage and persuade you as a reader in the book?
- How did this book confirm or contradict your perspective, opinion, preconceived notions, or beliefs about its subject matter?
- How did the author address any counterarguments or criticisms in the book? Did they acknowledge any limitations, gaps, or biases in their research or writing? Did you find their arguments convincing?
- Why do you think the author wanted to tell their story? What do you think is the main thing they wanted you to come away from reading the book with?
- What are some of the questions or criticisms you have about the book? How would you challenge or debate the author’s claims or arguments?
- What actions or changes, if any, do you feel compelled to make as a result of reading the book?
- Did the book inspire you to seek out more books/media about the topic?
- What else have you read on this topic, and would you recommend this book to others?
- What questions do you still have after reading this book? What would you like to learn more about?
- How credible and reliable do you think this book is as a source of guidance and support on its topic or issue?
Reflection / Reaction
- Were there any parts of the book that made you laugh or cry? What specifically provoked these reactions?
- Did the author surprise you with any revelations or discoveries in the book? Did you learn anything new or unexpected?
- Did the book make you reflect on your own life and experiences, and if so, what reflections did you come away with?
- What aspects of the story could you most relate to?
- What part of the subject of the book is still relevant in today’s world, and what parallels can you draw between the book and current events?
- How did this book relate to your own life experiences or interests? Did it inspire you to take any action or make any changes in your life?
- How do you plan to implement what you learned from this book in your daily life? What are some specific steps or strategies that you will use?
- What was the most useful or valuable advice or tip that you learned from this book?
- What was the main message or lesson of this book? Did you find it inspiring and motivating?
- What was the most memorable or impactful story, anecdote, or example in the book? Why did it stand out to you?
- What was the most surprising or shocking thing you learned from the book? How did it make you feel?
- What did you learn from the book, or what did it teach you about yourself or others?
- How did the book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?
- How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life, or to society today?
- Did the book inspire you to take action, change your behavior, or think differently about something?
- What are some of the ethical, moral, or social implications of the book? How do they challenge or support your values or beliefs?
- Did the book make you think about any real-life issues or situations differently?
- What do you think the author’s goal was in writing this book? What ideas were they trying to illustrate? What do you think the author’s message or main point was in the story?
- Did this book remind you of any other books that you’ve read? Describe the connection.
Overall Opinion
- Was the book satisfying to read? Why or why not?
- What was your initial reaction to the book? Did your opinion change as you read it? How?
- How did the book make you feel? What emotions did it evoke?
- What did you like most about the book? What did you like the least?
- What did you find most interesting or enlightening about the subject matter of the book?
- Are there any books that you would compare this book to?
- How original and unique was this book?
- Had you heard about the book before starting it? Do you think it was overhyped or should be celebrated more?
- Would you recommend the book to a friend? Why or why not?
- Would you read another book by this author? Why or why not?
- Would you re-read this book? Why or why not?
- If you could ask the author of this book one question, what would it be?
- What do you think the author’s purpose was in writing this book? What ideas was the author trying to get across?
- Were there any quotes (or passages) that stood out to you? Why?
- What surprised you most about the book? Why?
- Was there anything that the author did that you disagreed with? Why? What would you have done differently?
- If you could rewrite one part of the book, what would it be and why?
Design
- What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents? What other title might you choose?
- What do you think of the book’s cover? How well does it convey what the book is about?
- What did you think of the book’s length? If it’s too long, what would you cut? If too short, what would you add?
- Did the title of the book or the design of the book cover mean more to you after you had finished reading it?