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?

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?