Small Group Book Talk - Discussion Topics

Why did you choose this book?

What does the cover of the book tell you about what you may find inside it?

Find at least one song that the main character of your book would listen to. Explain how the lyrics and music relate to the character. Be as detailed as possible in your connection.


Discuss how the following terms apply to your novel.

Exposition

Dialect

Topic

Rising Action/Conflict

Narration

Tone

Climax

Protagonist

Theme

Falling Action

Antagonist

Static

Resolution

Dynamic

Consider how doubles and repetitions are used in these novels. Where do events and characters mirror each other? What is the effect of this symmetry and its variations?

Discuss the way the author poses the male-female relationships in the novels? Do you find the gender roles and relationships believable?

Think about the Literature you have read throughout your school years. Identify similarities between those literary pieces and the novel you read for this assignment. How are the characters similar? Are there similar themes or plot styles?

Can you identify any connections between the time periods in which they were written?

Choose a person/character in your book. Tell whether you would want her/him for a sibling, parent, friend, partner.

Identify the book’s intended audience. Explain why the book is geared to this particular type of person.

I really don't understand the part where . . .

I really like/dislike this idea because . . .

This character reminds me of somebody I know because . . .

This character reminds me of myself because . . .

I think this setting is important because . . .

This scene reminds me of a similar scene in (title of book/movie/T.V. show) because . . .

I like/dislike this writing because . . .

This part is very realistic/unrealistic because . . .

I think the relationship between ______and ______ is interesting because . . .

This section makes me think about . . .

I like/dislike (name of character) because . . .

This situation reminds me of a similar situation in My own life. What happened was . . .

If I were (name of character) at this point, I would…

What is the reading level of this book for you?

How long do you think it will take you to complete the book?

Has anything like this ever happened to you?

What does this text/story remind you of?

What questions do you have about the text?

Compare characters:

– from this story, or

– from this story and another story by the same author.

How is this story like/different from another story that you have read?

Predict what will happen next.

Describe a favorite scene from the story.

What did you like/not like about this story?

If you could change one part of the story, what would it be?

If you were one of the characters, how would you have acted differently?

Describe the setting of your story.

Tell about the author’s writing style.

What was the best part of the story?

Do you know someone who acts like one of the characters in your book? How they are alike.