Book Club Questions

Are you thinking about starting a book club or wanting a way to keep book club conversation on track? Here is a list of questions you can use for any book in any book club. Includes

a free and handy printable.

Now, firstly, if you aren't sure what to expect from a book club, I suggest you start by reading this post: What to Expect From a Book Club.

If you're all set on what to expect, then we can dive right in.

What is the purpose of your book club?

If it's your group's very first meeting, then it might be smart to discuss why you're all there. Is everyone seeking more of a social thing? Are they wanting to read wider or have engaging, thought-provoking conversations? Are they interested in critiquing the writing, learning something, or getting better at something? Depending on the answers you get, this may help you identify some questions that may work for your group. If it's just looking for a bit of fun with a group of people who love books, then here are some questions that can get you started.

Book Club Questions

Front Cover

• What does the front cover tell you?

• Does it convey a certain genre, trope, vibe or theme?

• Now that you have read the book, do you think the cover matches the book?

Genre

• What genre/s would you put the book in?

• What type of person do you think would enjoy this book?

Author

• Have you read anything by this author before?

• Did you like the author's writing style?

• After reading this book, how do you feel about reading other work by this author?

  
  

Characters

• Who are the main character/s?

• What do you think about them?

• Who was your favourite/least favourite character?

• Did anything about them confuse or upset you?

• Would you have reacted the same way if you were in the same position?

• What were the main character/s GOALS?

• What did they NEED?

• What were the OBSTACLES in the way?

• What were the main character/s flaws or personal issues?

• Did the main character/s learn/grow/evolve? How?

Themes

• What do you think are the major themes in the book?

• Any sub-themes?

• Did it make you think more deeply about something? What and why?

  
  

Story

• Do you have a favourite or least favourite scene/part? Why?

• Which part did you find most memorable?

• Which parts made you feel the strongest emotions? What and why?

Ending

• Did you like the ending?

• Did you expect something else to happen?

• Do you wish something else had happened?

Memorability

• If someone asked you, "Have you read *insert book name here*?"

  You would respond with: "Is that the book about ___________________ (fill in the blank)?"

  
  

Experience

• Is there any parts of the book that you didn't understand?

• Anything you had to research or look up during your read?

• Did it teach you anything?

• Did you find it an easy read or did you struggle to get through it?

• Did you enjoy the book?

• Would you recommend it to anyone?

Rating

• Rate the book from 1 to 5:

  • 1 - Did not like

  • 2 - It was okay

  • 3 - It was good

  • 4 - It was great

  • 5 - A favourite

What Book Should I Choose?

If your book club is looking for a new book to read, or you're starting a book club and not sure where to start, START HERE:

• Other Than Mother - A relatable story about an overwhelmed mother. Perfect for book clubs containing mothers

• The Silver Sheep - A thought-provoking book about a dysfunctional family set in a world where you can't put your feet on the ground.

Both books are available as eBooks or paperbacks, and are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

Important Note

Most book club questions are subjective. This means that there are no wrong answers! Please remind your attendees of this and encourage everyone to participate and be respectful. If you are a book club leader, it is your job to ensure that everyone gets a chance to talk without any fear of being made to feel silly. People read through the lens of their own experiences and beliefs, so not everyone will see things the same way, and we don't want people to! Part of the joy of a book club is having people with a whole lot of different ideas come together to talk about a common interest - How boring would it be if everyone had the same opinions?!

Free Printable

Book Club Questions www.marleybetts.com.pdf

Download PDF • 91KB

Click on the download PDF above to save your copy

As promised, please find a printable PDF list of book club questions. You do not need to ask all of these questions, but it gives you a good place to start. There is space at the bottom to add your own thoughts or questions.

Got a question or a suggestion? Let me know in the comments.

Happy reading!

Much love,

Marley x