Book Club Discussion Questions

For Mercy Town

  1.  Margaret returns to her hometown after years away. How does the setting of rural northern Wisconsin shape the story of grief, memory, and reconciliation?
  2. The accidental shooting of Bean casts a shadow over Margaret’s family. How does each family member’s response (denial, anger, silence) reflect different ways people cope with loss?
  3. Mr. Kipp embodies both personal tragedy for Margaret and a broader symbol of division in the community. What does it mean that the man responsible for her deepest wound is also central to her path toward healing?
  4. In what ways does the conflict over Dell Landing reflect the book’s larger themes of preservation, respect, and healing?
  5. What does Margaret’s confrontation with Mr. Kipp reveal about the power of courage and grace?
  6. How does the accidental shooting of Bean continue to shape Margaret and her family’s lives, even years later?
  7. Margaret is torn between her assignment as a journalist and her personal connection to the story. How does this tension between professional duty and personal history drive the narrative?
  8. The novel highlights silence as a form of festering grief. In your own experience, how does unspoken pain affect relationships, and how does breaking silence open the door to healing?
  9. What role does courage play in Margaret’s journey? Do you think forgiveness requires courage?
  10. Mercy Town challenges us to confront our own “Mr. Kipps.” Who or what might that figure be in your life or community, and how does Margaret’s story influence the way you view them?
  11. The book suggests forgiveness is more about freeing ourselves than others. Do you agree? Why or why not?
  12. In addition to its personal themes, the novel raises questions about environmental preservation and cultural heritage. How do these collective concerns intersect with the personal act of forgiveness?

Book Club Discussion Questions

For The Wisdom of the Willow

  1. What were the main themes of the book? How were those themes brought to life?
  2. What did you think of the writing style?
  3. Did you think the structure in alternating points of view was an attraction or a distraction?
  4. Were there any quotes (or passages) that stood out to you? Why?
  5. How did the book make you feel? What emotions did it evoke?
  6. Have you read the author’s memoir, Under the Birch Tree? Though the two books are of different genres, are there any similarities? If so, what are they?
  7. What do you think the author’s message was in writing this book?
  8. Was the book satisfying to read? Why or why not?
  9. If you could talk to the author, what questions would you ask of her?
  10. Did this book remind you of any other books that you’ve read? Describe the connection.
  11. What do you think is the symbolism behind the willow tree and the author’s inspiration behind it?
  12. Did the author embedding lessons from the natural world into a fictional story make for a compelling story?
  13. Which character did you most relate to and why?
  14. Who was your favorite character? Why?
  15. Were the characters clearly drawn and depicted?
  16. If the book were made into a movie, who would play each of the lead characters
  17. What scenes would you point out as pivotal moments for each of the four sisters?
  18. How did the author keep you interested or surprised throughout the story?

Book Club Discussion Questions

For Under the Birch Tree

  1. What is the significance of the title? Did you find it meaningful, why or why not?
  2. Did the author use a chronological, thematic, or episodic structure to tell their life story in the book, and how did this choice enhance their narrative?
  3. What did you learn from this book?
  4. Would you recommend the book to a friend? How would you summarize the story if you were to recommend it?
  5. What aspects of the story could you most relate to?
  6. What do you think is the author’s message she was trying to send?
  7. What are a few of your takeaways after reading this book?
  8. Was the book satisfying to read? Why or why not?
  9. Was the author’s use of imagery and metaphor meaningful? If so, in what ways?
  10. If you could talk to the author, what questions would you ask of her?
  11. Why do you think the author wanted to tell their story? What do you think is the main thing they wanted you to come away from reading the book with?