Hola!
Here’s a list of questions for discussion after your club has finished reading any of Leonardo Ramirez’ books (or any books, for that matter). Book club questions are great not just to get kids (and adults) reading but it also encourages civil discourse which we all know is in short supply these days. I, personally, love the ones that LitLover supplies because they are rich and focus on relationship and backstory. Huge thanks to them for providing these.
Directly below are questions for teens and above. Scroll down to see the kids’ version.
Have fun!
How did you experience the book?
Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to “get into it”?
Describe the main characters—personality traits, motivations, and inner qualities.
- Why do characters do what they do?
- Are Are their actions justified?
- Describe the dynamics between characters (in a marriage, family, or friendship).
- How has the past shaped their lives?
- Do you admire or disapprove of them?
- Do they remind you of people you know?
Are the main characters dynamic—changing or maturing by the end of the book? Do they learn about themselves, how the world works and their role in it?
Discuss the plot:
- Is it engaging? Do you find the story interesting?
- Is this a plot-driven book—a fast-paced page-turner?
- Does the plot unfold slowly with a focus on character?
- Were you surprised by complications, twists & turns?
- Did you find the plot predictable, even formulaic?
Talk about the book’s structure.
- Is it a continuous story…or interlocking short stories?
- Does the time-line move forward chronologically?
- Does time shift back & forth from past to present?
- Is there a single viewpoint or shifting viewpoints?
- Why might the author have chosen to tell the story the way he or she did?
- What difference does the structure make in the way you read or understand the book.
What main ideas—themes—does the author explore? Does the author usesymbols to reinforce the main ideas?
What passages strike you as insightful, even profound? Perhaps a bit of dialog that’s funny or poignant or that encapsulates a character? Maybe there’s a particular comment that states the book’s thematic concerns?
Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not…and how would you change it?
If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask? Have you read other books by the same author? If so how does this book compare. If not, does this book inspire you to read others?
Has this novel changed you—broadened your perspective? Have you learned something new or been exposed to different ideas about people or a certain part of the world?
Questions by LitLovers.
Book Club Questions for Kids
- Did you enjoy the book? Why?
- How would you describe the plot? Did it pull you in; or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?
- Who was your favorite character?
- How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place?
- Did the book end the way you expected?
- What three words would you use to summarize this book?
- What did you learn from reading this book?
- Would you recommend this book to other readers? To your close friend?
For a downloadable version, click here: Book Club Questions PDF.
Mucho love!
~L