Questions

1.    For the person who chose this book for book club--Why did you suggest it for the group to read?

2.    What did you think of the writing? Are there any standout sentences? The author uses a lot of flashbacks, did she do a good job telling the story with the use of flashbacks? Did you enjoy hearing the story from both perspectives? How does this affect the story and your appreciation of the book? What didn’t you like about the writing style?

3.    Did you like the use of the letters. Why or Why not?

4.    What passages strike you as insightful, even profound?  Did you find any dialogue poignant, funny, or sad? Did you gain an insight into the characters through dialogue? Would you have liked to see more or less dialogue?

5.    Discuss the time period in which the story is set. Were you familiar with this time period? If yes, did you learn anything new? If not, did you gain any knowledge of the 1940s?  What stands out about this time period? Can you imagine what life was really like for the characters within the context of the time period?

6.    Did you think the author did a good job incorporating historical events throughout the story. Did you enjoy the historical aspect of the book? Was there anything historically that stood out for you? Did you find any discrepancies in history?

7.    Are there any sections that surprised you or you didn’t expect?

8.    Did you find the story predictable?

9.    What was your favorite part of the book? What do you think will be your lasting impression of the book? You can ask your members to read their favorite passage out loud and explain why they liked it and how it impacted them. Also, how did this passage relate to the story, and did it reveal anything about the characters or impact you in any way?

10.      What was your least favorite? Were there parts of the book you thought were unnecessary to the story?

11.      Which scene has stuck with you the most? Did you re-read any passages? If so, which ones and why?

12.      Do you think the book started slow or were you engaged immediately? When you first started reading it, were you bored, sad, interested, confused? Did your opinion of the book change as you read it?

13.      How did you feel about the ending?

14.      If you could ask the author anything, what would it be?

15.      Do you think the book’s title was appropriate for the content or would you have given it a new title?

16.      Describe the main characters, their personality traits, motivations, and inner qualities. Could you relate to the characters and if yes, how?

17.      Do you see a change in the characters from the beginning till the end? What did you like or dislike about each of the characters.

18.      How do you think their lives would have been different if World War II never happened? While Mike and Helen are separated, do you think they learned anything about themselves or the world? Do you think their experiences during World War II changed who they were and did it affect their future?

19.      Describe the family dynamics during the first two parts of the book and the family dynamics in the last part of the book? Do you admire or disapprove of anyone? Do they remind you of anyone you know?

20.      What did you like or dislike about the book that hasn't been discussed already?

21.      Would you have liked to learn more about Adam?

22.      Did you enjoy learning about the battles and the life of a medic? Was it important to the story?

23.      After reading the book were there any lingering questions you wanted to be answered?

24.      Would you like to see this book made into a movie? Can you think of any songs from that era that would be appropriate for a section or chapter if the book would be made into a movie?

25.      Did the book have any impact. Do you think you’ll remember it? Why or why not?

26.      Are you glad you read this book? Would you recommend it to a friend? Do you want to read more books by this author? Does this book remind you of any other book you may have read?