Book Club questions – fiction – Around the world in 80 books

Who was your favorite character and why?
Which character did you find the most complex or intriguing and why?
How did the main character(s) change or grow throughout the story?
How did the secondary characters impact or influence the main character(s) or story?
Which character did you relate to or empathize with the most and why?
What were the main themes or messages of the book and how did they relate to the story?
How did the book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?
What did you learn from the book or what did it teach you about yourself or others?
How did the book challenge or change your perspective or opinion on something?
How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life, or to society today?
Would you recommend this book to someone? Why or why not (or with what caveats)?
What kind of reader would most enjoy this book?
How much did you know about this book before picking it up? What surprised you the most about the book?
Did you highlight or bookmark any passages from the book? Did you have a favorite quote or quotes? If so, share which and why?

Memoir q’s

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 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 surprise you with any revelations or discoveries in the book? Did you learn anything new or unexpected about them or their life experiences?
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?
How did the author explore topics such as identity, family, relationships, career, or spirituality?
How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the conclusion or reflection of the author’s life journey?
How did the author’s story make you reflect on your own life and experiences?
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?
Did you find the author to be a reliable narrator of their own history? Why or why not?

How would you describe the book in one sentence? What is the main point or purpose of the book?
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?
How did the book change your opinion or perspective on the topic? Did it confirm or contradict any of your assumptions or expectations?
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?
How did the author engage and persuade you as a reader in the book?
How did the author’s choice of how to frame and organize the book impact its effectiveness for you?
How did the author address any counter arguments or criticisms in the book? Did they acknowledge any limitations, gaps, or biases in their research or writing? Did you find their arguments convincing?
What are some of the ethical, moral, or social implications of the book? How does it challenge or support your values or beliefs?
Did the book inspire you to take action, change your behavior, or think differently about something?
What are some of the limitations or biases of the book? How does it reflect the author’s background, perspective, or agenda?