1. What do you think Ilene's purpose was in writing this book? What ideas was she trying to get across?

 

2. What new things did you learn?

 

3. What aspects of Ilene’s story could you most relate to?

 

4. How honest do you think she was being?

 

5. What gaps do you wish she had filled in? Were there points where you thought she shared too much?

 

6. Pick out a specific passage from the book—a description, an idea, a line of dialogue—and ask members to comment on it.

7. How does this book relate to your life or experiences?

 

8. Did you connect with the subject matter? Did it make you want to read more? Did it make you uncomfortable?

9. Was there a chapter or passage that stood out for you or gave you an aha! moment?

 

10. Did this book change your perspective — or maybe even your life?

 

11. What did you learn from this book that you didn’t know before?

 

12. Would you like to read more about this particular subject? Why?

 

13. Why would you recommend read this book?

 

14. Think about the other people in the book besides the author. How would you feel to have been depicted in this way?

 

15. If you were making a movie of this book, who would you cast?

 

16. Share a favorite quote from the book. Why did this quote stand out?

 

17. Why do you think the author chose to tell this story?

 

18. What feelings did this book evoke for you?

 

19. If you got the chance to ask the author of this book one question, what would it be?

 

20. What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents? What other title might you choose?

 

21. Was there a specific message or theme?

 

22. HOW DID THE BOOK MAKE YOU FEEL? Were you amused, upset, bored, angry, intrigued?

 

23. Did you have to force yourself to get through it or were you unable to put it down? Are you glad you read it? Did it start too slow or end unresolved? Do you wish it had been told from a different perspective? Did it jump around too much or hold your interest?

 

24. Are there any quotes, passages, or scenes you found particularly compelling?

 

25. Were there parts of the book you thought were incredibly unique, out of place, thought provoking, or disturbing?

26. What were the main points you think the author was trying to make?

 

27. Did you notice any symbolism?

 

28. Were you satisfied or disappointed with how the story ended?

 

29. Is anything left unresolved or ambiguous?

 

30. How do you picture the characters’ lives after the end of the story?

 

31. Does the story seem to fit with what you know of the author?

 

32. What do you think about the author’s writing style? What do you think about the author’s storytelling ability? Would you read another book by the same author?

 

33. Do you have a new perspective as a result of reading this book?

 

34. Did you learn something you didn’t know before? Has your attitude or behavior changed?

 

35. What do you think of the book’s cover? How well does it convey what the book is about?