Plus, 7 bonus Memoir-specific questions.
A great book club discussion thrives on insightful, engaging questions that spark conversation and invite diverse perspectives. Whether you’re diving into a thought-provoking novel, a gripping memoir, or a nonfiction deep-dive, the right questions can transform a casual chat into a meaningful exchange. This list is designed to help you explore themes, writing style, character development, and personal connections to the book—all while keeping the discussion fun and interactive. Feel free to pick and choose the questions that resonate most with your group!
📖 General Book Discussion
1️⃣ Can you describe the book in one sentence? What is the main point or purpose of the book?
2️⃣ What is the purpose of this book, and who do you believe is the intended audience? Does the book have wide appeal?
3️⃣ What were your expectations before reading this book? Did the book meet your expectations?
4️⃣ Is this book your usual cup of tea, or was it outside your comfort zone?
5️⃣ Would you have read this book if it hadn’t been a book club selection? Why would you recommend reading this book? And who would you recommend it to?
6️⃣ Did your opinion of the book change as you read it?
7️⃣ Do you see yourself reading this book again?
8️⃣ Would you read another book by this author? Why or why not?
📝 Writing Style & Structure
9️⃣ Describe the writing style of this book. What was the author’s tone?
🔟 Did you find the book to be a page-turner or a slow burn?
1️⃣1️⃣ Did the author engage and persuade you in the book? How?
1️⃣2️⃣ How would the book change if told from a different point of view?
1️⃣3️⃣ What biases do you think the author might have? How could these have impacted the way the book was written?
1️⃣4️⃣ Do you think the author could have improved this book? How?
1️⃣5️⃣ Is there a piece of advice or wisdom that you disagreed with? What would you suggest as an alternative?
🏆 Memorable Moments & Themes
1️⃣6️⃣ What was the most memorable or impactful part of the story, anecdote, or example in the book? And why did it stand out to you?
1️⃣7️⃣ What emotions did this book evoke for you?
1️⃣8️⃣ How does this book relate to your life experiences?
1️⃣9️⃣ What questions do you still have after reading this book?
🎭 Characters & Perspective
2️⃣0️⃣ Which supporting character/person would make the most interesting main character in another book?
2️⃣1️⃣ What parts of the book did you enjoy?
2️⃣2️⃣ What parts of the book did you dislike?
2️⃣3️⃣ Have you ever been to any locations mentioned in the book? Or which places in the book would you most want to visit?
2️⃣4️⃣ If you were making a movie of this book, who would you cast?
📚 Book Design & Title
2️⃣5️⃣ What did you think of the book cover art? How would you have made/designed it?
2️⃣6️⃣ What would you title this book?
🔍 Final Thoughts & Deep Dives
2️⃣7️⃣ What do you think is the most important takeaway from the book?
2️⃣8️⃣ Did you Google anything while reading this book?
2️⃣9️⃣ Did you take away anything from this book and apply it in any part of your life?
3️⃣0️⃣ How would you rewrite the last sentence of the book?
3️⃣1️⃣ What would you rewrite as the first sentence of the book?
3️⃣2️⃣ What is a question you would like to ask the author?
3️⃣3️⃣ Does this book remind you of any other books you’ve read?
⏳ Pacing & Length
3️⃣4️⃣ What do you think of the length of this book? And how long did it take you to finish this book?
🍵 Just for Fun
3️⃣5️⃣ What would be the ideal food or drink to consume while reading this book?
🎤 Bonus Round: Memoir Questions
3️⃣6️⃣ Which parts, if any, of the author’s experience could you relate to?
3️⃣7️⃣ Was the author a likable narrator?
3️⃣8️⃣ Are there gaps or anything missing that you’d like the author to fill in?
3️⃣9️⃣ Is the author someone you would like to know in real life?
4️⃣0️⃣ What is the author’s biggest strength? Biggest weakness?
4️⃣1️⃣ How honest do you think the author was?
✨ What Would You Add?
A great book club discussion thrives on curiosity and diverse perspectives. Do you have a go-to book club question that always sparks conversation? Let us know your favorite questions or any you’d add to this list! 📖💬😊
