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Annie tells Grace she thinks people are a little like Russian dolls, with each new experience adding another shell. What did you think of this imagery? Did it ring true to you?
|
|
18
|
116
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
What would your Desert Island Reads be, and why? (In the context of the novel, this is a book that has meant something special to you at a particular time in your life.)
|
|
23
|
130
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
What did you think about the format of the silent book club? Does the idea appeal to you? What do you think a silent book club needs to be successful?
|
|
15
|
106
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
How do you think grief is portrayed in The Forgotten Book Club?
|
|
14
|
105
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Forgotten Book Club? Is there another book or author you feel addresses related themes or who writes in a similar style?
|
|
18
|
132
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
What did you think of the author’s portrayal of people with ADHD? Do you think it was accurate? What’s your experience with the condition? Do you feel there’s a stigma associated with it?
|
|
17
|
127
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Frank kept a book journal, which chronicled what he read and his reactions to it, but also drifted into a more diary-like journal. Did it surprise you that Grace didn’t know about this habit? Do you keep a book journal, and if so, what do you note?
|
|
17
|
70
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
What do you believe was the turning point for Grace to join the silent book club?
|
|
9
|
92
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Have you read many of the books mentioned in the novel? Did you find titles you added to your “to be read” list?
|
|
14
|
115
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Frank had hundreds – perhaps thousands – of books by the time he died. What did you think of his habit of saving the books he’d read? Do you do likewise, and if so, how many books are in your home?
|
|
27
|
180
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Why do you suppose Frank didn’t share more information about his book club with Grace?
|
|
13
|
111
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Who from the silent book club do you think impacted Grace the most?
|
|
14
|
114
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
How do you think Grace changes over the course of the novel?
|
|
12
|
101
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Grace used to read for pleasure, but at some point in her past she’d stopped. Do you think that’s a common experience? Have you ever paused your reading for an extended period of time?
|
|
20
|
124
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
What do you think you can learn about someone from their favorite book?
|
|
10
|
79
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Have you read the author’s previous book, The Memory Library? If so, how do you think the two compare? What elements of the author’s style did you find appeared in both novels?
|
|
8
|
55
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Gwen tells us that her father was abusive – he cut symbols into her side, sometimes wouldn’t let her eat for days, killed in front of her – yet she bonded with him as a child (p.55). Why do you believe that was?
|
|
18
|
92
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of Haven’t Killed in Years? (no spoilers, please!)
|
|
30
|
249
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Gwen states that “Cody had had the best chance out of all of us. He’d been sent to a loving home with no memories of what had happened. Elyse and I should have been the crazy ones.” Why do you suppose the three’s lives turned out as they did?
|
|
7
|
36
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Gwen finds a dismembered arm in a box at her door and opts to move it to another location to by found by someone else. Why do you suppose she takes this course of action? In her circumstances, do you think her actions were reasonable?
|
|
17
|
68
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Dominic says, “It feels like there’s a key to life and death, and if I can figure it out, I can transcend it.” Gwen responds, “I think it’s about accepting…that you’re just another thing on this planet.” What’s your take on this conversation?
|
|
7
|
41
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
At the end of the book, Gwen tells Elyse she knows what happened to Elyse’s family was her fault, and Elyse concurs. Do you think Elyse forgives Gwen? Do you think Gwen forgives herself?
|
|
12
|
84
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Why do you think Gwen is so protective of Porter, and why she never suspects that he’s involved in the crimes? Did you suspect him at any point?
|
|
11
|
70
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Did you read Green’s previous novel, The Prized Girl, and if so, how did it compare to this one?
|
|
8
|
58
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Who did you suspect of being the person stalking Gwen? Did your opinion shift as you read, or were you pretty sure you knew what was going on throughout?
|
|
13
|
61
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Is there a quote or scene in The Forgotten Book Club that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
|
|
7
|
84
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Why do you suppose Natalie was able to stalk Gwen for eight years, but Gwen never picked up on her presence?
|
|
16
|
87
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
After Natalie claims to be Marin, Gwen feels partially responsible and thinks, “I had created Natalie all by myself.” What do you think she means? Do you agree with her? What responsibility do you think she bears for Natalie’s behavior?
|
|
9
|
53
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Why do you think Gwen felt she needed to see Declan Harris after the events of the book? Did she find what she was looking for, in your opinion?
|
|
4
|
42
|
February 2, 2026
|
|
Gwen recalls her father telling her, “You cannot assume everyone is out to get you; you have to assume they want something from you…and their want is their weakness.” What’s your opinion about this advice? Do you think it served Gwen well?
|
|
3
|
27
|
February 2, 2026
|