typical book report questions

24 Book Review Questions to Ask Before Writing a Review

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 23rd February 2021  - Last updated: 29th February 2024

Categories Book Blogging , Books

Trying to write a book review but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, these book review questions for a book report will help you on your way!

Writing a book review or book report can feel overwhelming for one of two reasons. Either you have too much to say or nothing to say at all.

In either case, having some structure to your review and a roadmap of questions to answer can be helpful in focussing your thoughts so you can write a useful book review.

These book review questions are designed to get your brain thinking about some of the key issues and interesting points about your book in question.

You certainly don’t have to answer all of them and you don’t need to follow the order I have listed the book report questions below.

RELATED: How to Write a Good Review of a Bad Book

Book Review Questions: General Information

Before you delve into sharing your own opinions, you should share some general information about the book.

This can be to do with its plot, its genre, the setting and whether there is anything readers should be aware of before delving in.

These are good questions to ask about a book as a basic starting point and where you should always begin.

What is the book about?

What genre does this book fit into?

In what time and place is the book set?

Who is the intended audience of the book?

Is the book appropriate for that audience?

Should this book come with any content warnings?

Book Review Questions: Stylistic Points

An author could craft the most fascinating story in the world but if they can’t convey that story with an interesting or logical style then a book may well just fall flat.

Consider whether the author of the book you are reviewing has a particularly interesting style and what is it about their style that shaped the book and your opinion of it.

What style is the book written in?

What point of view is the book written from?

Does the author use any interesting techniques?

Book Review Questions: The Characters

Really compelling characters, whether you love them or hate them, can make a book really stand out. If they don’t feel real then a book can crumble pretty quickly.

Make sure to include some information about the main character (or characters) but there’s no need to mention every single person, there simply isn’t space!

Who are the key characters in the book?

Did the characters feel real?

Are the characters likeable?

Which character did you find most compelling?

Could you relate to the key characters?

Book Review Questions: Your Opinions

Of course, any good book review should contain what you, the reviewer, actually thought about it! These book review questions to ask yourself are some of the most important.

Did you discover a new favourite book or is this one you wish you had never picked up in the first place?

Try to share a balanced view so reader’s of your review can come to their own conclusions about whether this book is worth reading for them. Some points that you might not have liked might be another reader’s favourite trope!

What did you like about the book?

What did you dislike about the book?

What could have been improved?

How did the book make you feel?

How does the book compare to other similar books?

Book Review Questions: Conclusion

Make sure to wrap up your book review with some final reflections about who should read this book, what you learnt from it and what other books it is similar to.

If a reader sees that a book is similar to one they have already read and loved then that’s a great indication that they’ll love this one too.

Would you recommend this book?

What did you learn from reading this?

What sort of reader would like this book?

What other books did this one remind you of?

What star rating would you give this book?

That concludes my list of book questions to ask yourself kick your brain in gear and get you thinking about all the most interesting points of the book you’ve just read.

Do you have any more relevant book review questions to add to the list?

Let me know in the comments below!

Follow me on Instagram and Goodreads for regular book updates!

If you liked this post, check out these: How to Write a Negative Book Review How to Start a Book Blog 36 Easy Book Blog Post Ideas

Editor of What’s Hot?

Saturday 10th of December 2022

Book report question: What made this book unique from other books you have read?

Thursday 25th of February 2021

This is so so useful.

Tuesday 23rd of February 2021

Very key points here. That first part, where I talk about the synopsis, the intended audience, the genre, that is my biggest struggle.

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Good book report questions

Writing a book report is a common activity students are required to go through today. Reading is one thing but the ability to summarize and analyze information is totally different. One can read a lot of books but still be unable to develop a good book report due to the lack of knowledge of what it should look like. Therefore, students often seek book report help in order to understand how to write one. In this article we are going to provide some good book report questions that will provide guidance as to which direction to go when choosing a format of a book report. Even if you have never faced the challenge of writing one, it is most likely that you will soon receive such assignment. And it is always better to face it prepared knowing what to do. So keep reading to get to know more about how to develop a good one. Even if you have written one or many reports by now, you can still find out more to polish up your writing skills. Questions for a book report provided below will serve a good foundation for every student.

❓ How to Write a Good Book Report

There is a difference between a book report and a book review which everybody should know prior to writing any of these. They are not the same although there are some similarities. A lot of students mix them up turning in reports when reviews are requested and vice versa. Book reports are all about explaining topical details and the storyline of the book. Those writing this type of assignment are to present biographical information about the author of the book (year of birth, marital status, his/her education and worldview, etc.). After the biographical information, there should go a brief summary of the book content – the main characters and the development of the plot.

Now a book review is different as it requires an in-depth analysis in addition to the things mentioned in a book report. The bio of the author along with the summary of the story also belongs in the review but the attention paid to these things should not be so significant. In other words, these things are not central in writing a book review . Instead, they are all considered a background information upon which one may analyze and evaluate the book in general. A book review is then more about analysis and evaluation where students are required to identify the author’s main message and ideas as well as to understand the meaning of symbolic elements present in the text. Now as we have managed to draw the line of separation between a book report and a book review, we can move on to how to write a book report.

Book reports can be of different types and formats. Most common forms of book reports are plot summaries, theme and character analysis. This type of assignment will help you practice expressing your own opinion about different aspects of the text and eventually expressing your thoughts on pretty much any subject in future. But no matter what type of book report you are about to write, there are some common things you have to include into your paper:

• Specify the kind of book report
• Include the title of the book
• Put the name of the author
• Indicate the time when the story takes place
• Mention the location of the events taking place in the book
• List the names of the characters briefly describing each one of them (at least those you will be discussing in the report)
• Add quotations in order to back up your opinions

📄 Plot Summaries

This type of book report assumes one has to explain own opinions about the plot and why he/she believes so. Your purpose should be to describe and characterize the plot and back up your opinions by some examples from the book.

🖋 Character Analysis

Here you can explore the traits of the main characters and how they affect the development of the plot in the book. There are many things you can pay attention to when analyzing the characters, such as clothing, moral flaws, dialogues, actions, etc.

📗 Theme Analysis

This form of book reports allows exploring the themes and big ideas that are interwoven within the entire story. You can simply choose a theme that seems to be the most important or the one you like the most and try to bring some of your thoughts to highlight the topic.

📚 Book Report Questions

What can help you write book reports efficiently is the list of questions to direct your thinking and writing. You can google phrases like “book report questions for high school” or “book report questions for middle school” depending on what your level of writing is. But in order to save some time for you, we have decided to come up with our own list of questions that should help develop a good book report. Therefore, there is no need to type something like “write my book report” in a google search tab in hopes to find someone who will do it all for you. Instead, you may consider the questions to ask for a book report and try to write it on your own. Here is the list:

• What genre does your book belong to? Fiction, non-fiction, etc.
• Do you like the book? Why so? If yes, would you recommend it to your friends?
• Can you come up with another title?
• What is the setting/background information?
• Who are the main characters?
• Are the names of the characters in any way descriptive?
• How does the story start? Why do you think the author chose to start his book this way?
• How does the story develop?
• Did you have any associations coming to your mind when you were reading the story?
• Did you find anything funny in the story?
• What’s your favorite part?
• Is there a problem in the story? What is this problem?
• Do you think that the author could have come up with a better solution (if there is one)?
• Is there the main idea that you can identify?
• Can you identify the purpose of the book?
• What are the lessons the book teaches (if any)?
• Is the topic of the book important? Why?
• Did any of the characters in the book do something you did not quite like?
• Can you identify the main purpose of writing the book?
• Did the book help you generate new ideas?

✅ Final Remarks

Now that you know what book reports are all about, we recommend you to try and write one. But when we say “write one”, we don’t necessarily mean that the very first thing you have to do in order to produce a good book report is to take a pen and start writing something. There are other things one should do before writing. We suggest you jot down the information you would want to take special note of when reading the book. Keep this piece of paper next to you when you read a book. As you read, take notes of the plot, characters and the main idea. Then you can go through the questions listed above – they should help you understand the book better. When you are done with the questions, organize your thoughts into an outline and draft the book report. From there you have to only edit and revise the draft to produce a perfect paper.

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

• The type of book report you are writing
• The book's title
• The author of the book
• The time when the story takes place
• The location where the story takes place
• The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
• Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
• A thesis statement
• The point of view of the narrator
• Summary of the book
• The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
• The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
• The writing styles of the author
• A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

Featured Middle School Resources

Related Resources

How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

• Researching
• Drafting the Report
• Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,415,797 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

• Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
• Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
• Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

• For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
• Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

• Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

• Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
• Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
• Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
• Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
• Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

• Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
• Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
• Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

• For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

• Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
• Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
• Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
• Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
• Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
• Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
• Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
• Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

• Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

• For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
• When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
• Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

• For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
• Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

• Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

• For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

• For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
• Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

• You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
• For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

• For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

• Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
• When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

• Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
• Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

• If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
• Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

• For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
• Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

• Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
• Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
• Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

• Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
• ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
• ↑ https://library.valleycollege.edu/elements_of_book_report.pdf
• ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
• ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
• ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
• ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing a Book Report

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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

• Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
• Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

• Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
• Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
• Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

• Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
• Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
• Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

• Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
• Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
• Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
• Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

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How to write a book report

A book report is one of the first types of essays you probably learned to write in elementary school. But no matter how many book reports you turn in over the course of your student life, they can still inspire some anxiety and some confusion about the best way to write a book report, especially as you reach the high school and college level.

The good news is that the basics you learned in the early grades will serve you in good stead, since the book report format remains mostly the same. The very same structure and tools you used to dissect Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge will work just as well for Animal Farm and The Handmaid’s Tale . What changes is the depth and breadth of your analysis as a high school and college student.

So, If you are wondering how to start a book report for a college class assignment, here are some of the key pieces of information you need to know.

What is a book report?

Let’s start off with some definitions. In the most general terms, a book report is a summary of a written text, often a fiction novel, but can also include other genres such as memoir and creative non-fiction. It includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc.

While the analysis should be reasoned and objective, it should also include your opinion and assessment of the impact and overall success of the author’s choices on the final work.

Book reports usually fall into one of the following types:

Plot summary

This type of book report isn’t just a re-telling of the story, it’s a comment on your overall impression of the plot — whether you thought it was engaging or maudlin or vapid, for example — backed up by direct quotes from the text to support your opinion.

Example of a plot summary thesis statement: The plot of Herman Melville’s short story, “Bartleby the Scrivener,” offers a poignant portrait of how depression robs a person of all motivation and momentum in life.

Character analysis

A character analysis zeroes in on a particular character (their characterization and actions) and their impact on the unfolding of the plot and its eventual outcome.

Example of a character analysis thesis statement: In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye , the character of Phoebe, Holden’s bright and precocious younger sister, is a catalyst for rekindling his hope in humanity and reconsidering the choices he’s made in his life.

Theme analysis

A theme analysis looks at the overarching concepts, or themes, that run through a book and that give the text meaning and direction. Themes tend to be broad in nature, such as love, the importance of family, the impact of childhood, etc.

Example of a theme analysis thesis statement: Banana Yoshimoto’s novella, Kitchen , explores the theme of death and how everyone sooner or later has to come to terms with the mortality of the people they love as well as their own.

How to start a book report

The very first step in writing a stellar book report that earns a top grade is actually reading the book. This may seem obvious, but many students make the assignment much harder on themselves by not putting in the time up front to do a thorough and complete reading of the book they’re going to be writing their report on. So resist the urge to skim the text or to rely on the Cliff’s notes version. A nuanced analysis requires a deep grasp of the text, and there is no substitute for focused, firsthand reading.

It’s a lot easier to stick with a book that you enjoy reading! If you have the chance to choose the book you’ll be writing a report on, take some time to select a book that appeals to you, considering the genre, time period, writing style, and plot.

It can be helpful to start thinking about your book report while you are still making your way through your initial reading of the text. Mark down passages that provide key turning points in the action, descriptive passages that establish time and place, and any other passages that stand out to you in terms of their word choice and use of language. This makes it much easier to go back later and start collecting the evidence you’ll need to support your argument and analysis.

Once you finish reading the book from cover to cover, you’ll likely find that your mind is swirling with thoughts, impressions, and burgeoning analyses. At this stage, trying to distill all of these half-formed thoughts into one cohesive report may seem like a daunting task. One way to make this task more approachable is to start by collecting and listing the objective facts about the book. The following list covers the basic elements that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The book’s title and author
• The historical context of the book (when it was written)
• The time(s) during which the story is set
• The location(s) where the story takes place
• A summary of the main characters and action of the story
• Quotes from the book that will function as evidence to support your analysis

With all of the basics in hand, you can start to write your book report in earnest. Just like most other essay types, a well-written book report follows a basic structure that makes it easy for your reader to follow your thoughts and make sense of your argument.

A typical book report will open with an introduction that briefly summarizes the book and culminates with a thesis statement that advances an opinion or viewpoint about it. This is followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed points to flesh out and support that opinion in greater detail, including direct quotes from the text as supporting evidence. The report finishes with a conclusion that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with an understanding of the book, its aims, and whether or not you feel the book (and its author) was successful in doing what it set out to do. Ideally, the conclusion will also make a statement about how the book fits into the larger literary world.

A book report template you can use for any book report

If you find yourself stuck on how to start a book report, here’s a handy book report template you can use to get things off the ground. Simply use this structure and start filling it in with the specifics of the book you are writing your report on. Feel free to expand upon this book report template, adding more sections as appropriate.

Introduction

Write three to five sentences introducing the book and author as well as important contextual information about the book, such as the publication year and the overall critical reception at the time. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

Body paragraphs

Include at least three body paragraphs that offer detailed information and analysis to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should contain one idea, backed up with direct quotes from the text alongside your critical analysis.

Write three to five sentences that restate your thesis and summarize the evidence you’ve presented in support of it. Relate your findings to a larger context about the book’s place within both the literary world and the world at large.

Frequently Asked Questions about book reports

A book report follows the format of most papers you write - it will have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Depending on the type of book report, you will fill these parts with the required information.

These are the basic parts that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The historical context of the book and time(s) during which the story is set

The book report is, among other things, also a summary of the plot, main characters, and ideas and arguments of the author. Your book report should help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not.

How many pages a book report should have depends on your assignment. It can be a half page, but it can also have many pages. Make sure to carefully read through your assignment and ask your professor if you are unsure .

A book report is a summary of a written text. A good book report includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc. A good book report helps the reader decide whether they want to read the book or not.

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Creative and Excellent Book Report Ideas for Students

Writing a book report can be a challenging task for students at all levels of education. Many struggle to strike the right balance between providing a concise summary and offering insightful analysis.

The pressure to submit a well-structured report often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. Unlike a book review that is longer and more detailed, the purpose of writing a book report is to summarize what happened in the story. 

In this blog, we will learn the book report writing, providing you with step-by-step instructions and creative ideas. Whether you're a reader or just starting your literary journey, this guide will help you write book reports that shine. 

So, let's dive in!

• 1. What is a Book Report?
• 2. How to Write a Book Report Outline?
• 3. How to Write a Book Report?
• 4. Book Report Formatting
• 5. Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 
• 6. Book Report Templates for Different Grades
• 7. How to Write a Book Report for High School?
• 8. How to Write a Book Report for College Level?
• 9. Book Report Examples
• 10. Book Report Ideas

What is a Book Report?

A book report is a written summary and analysis of a book's content, designed to provide readers with insights into the book's key elements. It's a valuable exercise for students, offering a chance to look deeper into a book's characters, and overall impact. Why are book reports important? They serve as a way to not only showcase your reading comprehension but also your critical thinking skills. They help you reflect on the book's strengths and weaknesses, and they can be a great tool to start a discussion.

How to Write a Book Report Outline?

Before you start writing a book report, it's crucial to create a well-organized outline. A book report outline serves as the roadmap for your report, ensuring that you cover all essential aspects. Here's how to create an effective book report outline:

How to Write a Book Report?

Writing an effective book report is not just about summarizing a story; it's a chance to showcase your analytical skills.

Let’s go through the process of creating a compelling book report that will impress your instructor.

How to Start a Book Report

To start a book report follow the steps below:

• Pick the Perfect Book  Selecting the right book for your report is the first crucial step. If you have the freedom to choose, opt for a book that aligns with your interests. Engaging with a book you're passionate about makes the entire process more enjoyable.
• Dive into the Pages Reading the book thoroughly is non-negotiable. While summaries and online resources can be helpful, they can't replace the depth of understanding gained from reading the actual text. Take notes as you read to capture key moments and insights.
• Document Key Insights Keeping a physical notebook for jotting down important points and insights is a tried-and-true method. This tangible record allows for quick reference when you're ready to write your report.
• Collect Powerful Quotes Quotes from the book can be the secret sauce that adds weight to your report. Choose quotes that align with your report's themes and ideas. These quotes will serve as evidence to support your analysis and perspective.
• Craft Your Report Outline An book report outline serves as your roadmap for creating a structured and coherent report. Ensure it includes all the vital elements, from basic book information to your in-depth analysis. An organized outline keeps your writing on track.

Writing Your Book Report

Now that you've completed the preliminary steps, it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Follow these guidelines for an exceptional book report:

• Introduction: Open with a captivating introduction that introduces the book, its author, and your main thesis. This initial "hook" draws readers in and sparks their interest.
• Plot Summary: Concisely summarize the book's plot, including key events, main characters, and the overall narrative. Offer enough information for understanding without revealing major spoilers.
• Analysis: The core of your report, where you dissect the book's themes, characters, writing style, and any symbolism. Back your insights with book quotes and examples, revealing the author's intentions and how they achieved them.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and share your overall evaluation of the book. End with a thought-provoking statement or recommendation to leave readers engaged and curious.

Book Report Formatting

When it comes to formatting a book report, simplicity and clarity are key. Here's a straightforward guide on the essential formatting elements:

Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 

The table below highlights how is a book report different from a book review :

What are the SImilarities between Book Report and Book Review?

Here are the things that are added in both a book report and a book review.

• Bibliographic details
• Background of the author
• The recommended audience for the book
• The main subject of the book or work
• Summary of the work and the only difference is that in the review, a critical analysis is also added

Due to the similarities, many students think that both of these are the same. It is wrong and could cost you your grade.

How to Write a Nonfiction Book Report? 

Writing a nonfiction book report may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can craft an informative report. Here's a streamlined guide:

• Read Actively: Carefully read the chosen nonfiction book, highlighting key information. For instance, if you're reporting on a biography, mark significant life events and their impact.
• Introduction: Begin with the author's name, the book's publication year, and why the author wrote the book. Create an engaging opening sentence, such as "In 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' Rebecca Skloot delves into the fascinating world of medical ethics."
• Focused Body: Structure the body into three paragraphs, each addressing crucial aspects. For instance, in a report on a science book, one paragraph could cover the book's key scientific discoveries.
• Concluding Thoughts: Share your personal opinion, if applicable. Would you recommend the book? Mention reasons, like "I highly recommend 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari for its thought-provoking insights into human history."

Writing a nonfiction book report requires adhering to facts but can still be enjoyable with a strategic approach.

How to Write a Book Report without Reading the Book?

Short on time to read the entire book? Here are quick steps to create a book report:

• Consult Summary Websites: Visit websites providing book summaries and analyses. For instance, SparkNotes or CliffsNotes offer concise overviews.
• Focus on Key Details: Select 2-3 crucial aspects of the book, like major themes or character development. Discuss these in-depth.
• Consider a Writing Service: Utilize professional writing services when time is tight. They can craft a well-structured report based on provided information.
• Offer a Unique Perspective: Differentiate your report by approaching it from a unique angle. For example, explore a theme or character relationship that hasn't been extensively covered by peers.

While challenging, writing a book report without reading the book is possible with these strategies.

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Book Report Templates for Different Grades

Students studying at different levels have different skills and ability levels. Here is how they can write book reports for their respective academic levels.

How to Write a Book Report for an Elementary School?

The following are some book report templates that you can use for your primary or elementary school.

How to Write a Book Report for Middle School

Here are the book report worksheets that you can use to write your middle school book report.

How to Write a Book Report for High School?

Writing a high school book report includes the following steps:

• Read the book thoroughly and with purpose.
• Make an outline before writing the report as a pre-writing step.
• Follow the guidelines and the given format to create the title page for your report.
• Add basic details in the introduction of your book report.
• Analyze the major and minor characters of the story and the role they play in the progress of the story.
• Analyze the major and significant plot, events, and themes. Describe the story and arguments and focus on important details.
• Conclude by adding a summary of the main elements, characters, symbols, and themes.

How to Write a Book Report for College Level?

Follow this college book report template to format and write your report effectively:

• Understand the Assignment: Familiarize yourself with the assignment and book details to ensure proper adherence.
• Read Thoroughly: Read the book attentively, noting essential details about the plot, characters, and themes.
• Introduction: Craft an informative introduction with bibliographic details. 
• Summary: Summarize key aspects like setting, events, atmosphere, narrative style, and the overall plot. 
• Plot: Cover the entire story, highlighting essential details, plot twists, and conflicts. 
• Conclusion: Summarize the story and assess its strengths and weaknesses. Unlike a review, a book report provides a straightforward summary.

Book Report Examples

Book Report of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Book Report of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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Book Report Ideas

Basic ideas include presenting your narrative and analysis in simple written form, while more creative ideas include a fun element. Some notable books to choose from for your book report writing assignment are mentioned below:

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• "1984" by George Orwell
• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
• "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank
• "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Need more ideas? Check out our book report ideas blog to get inspiration!

To Sum it Up! Crafting a good book report involves striking the right balance between introducing the book, summarizing its key themes, and avoiding spoilers. It's a delicate art, but with the right guidance you can grasp this skill effortlessly. 

Need expert assistance with writing your book report? MyPerfectWords.com is here to help you out!

If you're asking yourself, "Can someone write my essays online ?"Our professional writers have the answer. We can write a custom book report according to your personalized requirements and instructions. Get a high-quality book report to help you earn the best grades on your assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the parts of a book report.

A book report often contains different sections that describe the setting, main characters, and key themes of the story. A common type is an expository one which details what happened in detail or discusses how people feel about it.

Is a report a summary?

No, a summary is more detailed than a book report. A book report is usually based on a short summary of the book, while a standalone summary is more detailed and could have headings, subheadings, and supporting quotes.

How many paragraphs should be included in a book report?

The book report is a typical assignment in middle and high school, usually with one introduction, three body, and one conclusion paragraph.

The number of paragraphs could vary depending on the academic level, with an expert or professional book report having more than three body paragraphs.

How long is a book report?

It should not exceed two double-spaced pages, be between 600 and 800 words in length. Your book report is a written reflection on the content of a novel or work of nonfiction.

How do you end a book report?

Sum up your thesis statement and remind the readers of the important points, one final time. Do not add any new ideas or themes here and try to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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101 Comprehensive Book Club Questions (and Printable PDF)

Even though we write tons of book club discussion guides , sometimes it’s also handy to have a toolkit of generic book club questions at the ready. You can certainly use them if you don’t care for the discussion questions that you find around the web. But you can also assign out a few questions in advance and ask your club members to do some light prep. Or you could use some of the more entertaining questions as an ice breaker for new members.

However you use them, these book club discussion questions are designed to help your group have a fun and stimulating conversation.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

In addition to the questions below, we also suggest that you mine a few other sources for book club content. All of our book club guides include the publisher’s synopsis. We do this not only to describe the book…but also because they sometimes do a terrible job of describing the book! You can have a whole conversation about whether the publisher properly marketed the book or accurately reflected your experience of it.

We also love looking at the Goodreads reviews. Even super popular books (like those from Colleen Hoover or Jenna’s book club ) have their detractors and there is often thoughtful fodder in the reviews. You can also consider assigning some multi-media to the club by putting author interviews or movie adaptations into the mix.

This guide is divided into three sections. The first has generic questions, the second lists a bunch of ideas for fiction related to plot, character development, setting, author intent and some genre-specific questions. And the final section has some prompts for non-fiction books. Here’s a table of contents if you want to jump around.

• Generic book club questions
• Book club questions for fiction (format, author intent, plotting/pacing, characterization, mood and genre)
• Non-fiction discussion questions

Generic Book Club Discussion Questions

• If you could describe this book with one word, what would it be?
• Is this the kind of book that you can read a little bit of before going to bed? Or is this the kind of book that demands some concentrated reading time?
• (Share some Goodreads reviews) Do these reviews reflect your experience of the book? Why or why not?
• What level of Goodreads star would you give the book?
• Did you listen on audio? If so, how was the performance?
• If the book gets adapted for the screen, who would you like to see play the main characters? What do you think would have to change?
• Of all the books that your club has read in the past year, how does this one rank for you?
• Have you read other books by this author? If so, how is this one different?
• Will you read another book by this author? If so, what will you be looking for?
• Have you read another book that is similar in plot, tone, setting or theme? What was it and how do the two books relate?
• Were you feeling the feels while reading this book? If so, which feels were you feeling?
• Did the book land a gut punch on you? Or did you cry? It’s OK, we’re all friends here.
• Did the book ever frustrate you or make you mad? Why?
• Pull a quote from the book and share with the group. Why did you find the quote meaningful?
• Will the book be worth a re-read someday?
• Were there elements of the book that were completely unique? If so, what?
• If the book was outside of your normal reading wheelhouse, has it inspired you to read more books in this vein?
• Was there something about the book that you still find yourself ruminating on? If so, what?
• Will you be recommending this book to others? If yes, what’s your elevator pitch in one sentence?
• You’ve just been hired-on as this book’s editor. What sort of changes would you suggest?

Want a clean, printable version of these generic discussion questions? Simply sign-up on the form below:

Book Club Questions for Fiction

Formatting and presentation.

• The book was written in (first, second, third) person point-of-view. How do you think it affected the presentation of the story?
• (If not told in a linear format) The book went back and forth in time (or space). Were you able to follow the threads?
• How did you find the writing style? What did or didn’t work for you?
• How was the title significant to the book?
• What did you think of the book cover? Did it accurately reflect what the book was about?
• Was the book too long, too short, just right?
• (If there was an unusual formatting structure, such as letters, monologues or poetry) What did you think about the structure of the prose? What did it add to the reading experience?
• Was the book more plot driven or more character driven?

The Author’s Point of View

• What did you think of the official synopsis of the book? Was it an accurate representation of your experience?
• If you were to invite the author to dinner, what would you ask them? And what would you serve them?
• Do you think that the book was at all semi-autobiographical?
• Would you call this an owned voices book? Why or why not?
• In terms of theme or plotting, how does this book line up relative to the author’s other works?

Plotting & Pacing

• How did you find the pacing? On a scale of 1-10 where 1 is the tortoise and 10 is the hare.
• How satisfied were you with the ending of the book?
• Did the plot hang together? Were there some holes or lose threads?
• What were the book’s central themes?
• Where there any plot devices that you found too trite or convenient?
• Did you find the book believable?
• Were there some tried, true and perhaps over-used tropes in the book?
• Was there a lot of lying, subterfuge and betrayal going on? If so, how did you untangle it?
• Were there elements of the plot that were a stretch? And if so, were you able to suspend your disbelief?
• What was your key takeaway from the book?
• Were there some interesting racial, cultural or gender dynamics at play in the book? If so, what did you take away from them?
• Is the book’s timeframe (or place in history) critical to the story?
• Were there magical or fantastical elements in the story? Did they work? Were they believable?
• Is there a moral to this story?
• Was there a scene or section that has really stuck with you?
• If the book is part of a series, are you now motivated to continue in the series?

Character Development

• Who was your most favorite character, and why?
• Which was your least favorite character, and why?
• Which character did you most relate to?
• If you could choose a character to be, which character would you choose?
• Did you develop expectations for certain characters? If so, did they live up to your expectations?
• Have you found yourself thinking about what may have happened to the characters after the events of the book have ended?
• Were the characters reliable narrators of their stories and lives?
• Have you ever experienced some of what these characters were going through?
• How did you feel about the (family, friend, work, school) dynamics in the book?
• Did you find yourself judging the decisions that the characters were making?
• Choose a thorny issue or impossible choice that one of the characters had to deal with. What would you have done in their circumstance?
• How did the characters evolve over the course of the book? Did they find themselves? Did they lose their way?
• What is the main character’s worldview?
• Can we allow the characters’ past to excuse their behavior or choices in the present?
• Were there any interesting power dynamics going on in the book?
• Did any of the characters remind you of someone you know? And is that a good thing…or a bad thing?

Mood & Setting

• How did the setting contribute to the mood, atmosphere or tension of the story?
• Could the book have been set somewhere else?
• Did the book make you want to visit the location?
• What sort of emoji would you assign to the mood of the book?
• Is there a thread of feelings that percolate throughout the book?
• Was there something about the book’s setting or culture that was unfamiliar to you? If so, what did you learn from it?
• Pick a color that best describes the mood of the book.

Genre-Specific Discussion Questions

• (For thrillers and mysteries) Are you the kind of reader who likes to puzzle out whodunnit? If so, who did you think dunnit and how did your opinion over the course of the book?
• (For thrillers and mysteries) Were there some red herrings in the storyline?
• (For thrillers and mysteries) Were you able to follow the twists?
• (For thrillers and mysteries) On a scale of 1-10 where 1 is a wet noodle and 10 is a tight rubber band, how strong was the tension in the book?
• (For romances) Well, will they live happily ever after, or not?
• (For romances) Do they belong together?
• (For romances) On a scale of 1-10 where 1 is a cold glass of milk and 10 is a house afire, how high was the heat level in the romance?
• (For sci-fi/fantasy) Was the world building complete?
• (For sci-fi/fantasy) What lessons from the book are relevant to our current space and time?
• (For sci-fi/fantasy) Did the book present an alternate reality that you can relate to?
• (For historical fiction) How might some of these events or cultural attitudes play out in our modern world?
• (For historical fiction) Did the events of the book change your perception or knowledge of history?
• (For historical fiction) Why do you suppose that the author chose this time period?

Discussion Questions for Non-Fiction

• (For memoirs) Did you find the author’s memory to be reliable and believable?
• (For memoirs) Could you relate to their lived experience? If so, which parts?
• (For memoirs) Can there be such a thing as a perfectly true memoir?
• (For memoirs) What were you hoping to learn from the author?
• (For memoirs) How did you feel about the author’s voice?
• (For memoirs) What did you think of the author’s worldview?
• (If business or self-help) If the book contained tools, worksheets or further reading, will you follow up and use them?
• (If business or self-help) What was your key takeaway?
• (If business or self-help) Has the book inspired you to make a change?
• (If business or self-help) Was the book predicated more on inspiration, or action?
• (If business or self-help) Will this book help you solve a problem?
• (For narrative non-fiction) Did the story line hang together?
• (For narrative non-fiction) Do you think that the book was well-researched?
• (For narrative non-fiction) Why were you interested in this topic? And did the book answer your questions?
• (For narrative non-fiction) Has the book made you rethink your position on the topic?

NEED BOOK CLUB IDEAS?

Use our guide to find dozens of book ideas for your group.

More Book Club Resources

• Get some ammo for the key benefits of book clubs and why they are so worth it.
• And also some useful tips for starting your own book club .
• Have a smooth running book club using these rules and expectations .
• Tips for facilitating a great book club discussion .
• Develop winning strategies for choosing book club books .
• Browse our book club guides for fiction and non-fiction .

Check out some of our latest book club guides:

• The Lost Bookshop Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide
• Lady Tan’s Circle of Women Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide
• First Lie Wins Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide
• The Unmaking of June Farrow Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide
• The Women Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide
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4 thoughts on “101 Comprehensive Book Club Questions (and Printable PDF)”

These questions look great! Can’t wait to use them with my new book club. Thank you!

This has been such a great resource for me. I love to read and my book club is excellent but I have so much stress leading the discussion! Thank you so much!

where is the printable pdf?

There’s a sign-up form just above the section for fiction questions. If you aren’t seeing it. You can sign up for the newsletter on the link below. Your welcome email will include a link to the PDF. You can unsubscribe any time. https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/234155/72593102432371913/share

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50 Great Book Club Discussion Questions For Any Book

Teresa Preston

Since 2008, Teresa Preston has been blogging about all the books she reads at Shelf Love . She supports her book habit by working as a magazine editor at a professional association in the Washington, DC, area, which is (in)conveniently located just a few steps from a used bookstore. When she’s not reading or editing, she’s likely to be attending theatre, practicing yoga, watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer again, or doting on her toothless orange cat, Anya. Twitter: @teresareads

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I’ve been in a lot of book clubs, and I know it’s not always easy to get a conversation going on a book. I’ve found that the best book club discussion questions are ones that are open-ended and that get people to share their personal opinions. If you’re ready to start a book club , here are 50 of the best book club questions, for fiction and nonfiction alike. Find a printable list to bring to your meeting here !

How did I create this list of book club discussion questions? 

Simply put, I’ve assembled a list of the kinds of questions that are likely to get people talking. Most of these are non-specific and designed to work for any book. Although, of course, some will work better than others for particular books).

I’ve also included a few questions that are meant for specific types of books, like fiction or nonfiction. Just pick and choose the discussion questions that work best for you and your book group, and get the conversation going! Bring the printable questions along for help.

General Book Club Discussion Questions

1. What did you like best about this book?

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2. What did you like least about this book?

3. What other books did this remind you of?

4. Which characters in the book did you like best?

5. Which characters did you like least?

6. If you were making a movie of this book, who would you cast?

7. Share a favorite quote from the book. Why did this quote stand out?

8. What other books by this author have you read? How did they compare to this book?

9. Would you read another book by this author? Why or why not?

10. What feelings did this book evoke for you?

11. What did you think of the book’s length? If it’s too long, what would you cut? If too short, what would you add?

12. What songs does this book make you think of? Create a book group playlist together!

13. If you got the chance to ask the author of this book one question, what would it be?

14. Which character in the book would you most like to meet?

15. Which places in the book would you most like to visit?

16. What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents? What other title might you choose?

17. What do you think of the book’s cover? How well does it convey what the book is about? If the book has been published with different covers, which one do you like best?

18. What do you think the author’s purpose was in writing this book? What ideas was he or she trying to get across?

19. How original and unique was this book?

20. If you could hear this same story from another person’s point of view, who would you choose?

21. What artist would you choose to illustrate this book? What kinds of illustrations would you include?

22. Had you heard about the book before starting it? Do you think it was overhyped or should be celebrated more?

Book Club Discussion Questions for Fiction

23. Did this book seem realistic?

24. How well do you think the author built the world in the book?

25. Did the characters seem believable to you? Did they remind you of anyone?

26. Did the book’s pace seem too fast/too slow/just right?

27. If you were to write fanfic about this book, what kind of story would you want to tell?

28. Was the pacing— beginning, middle, and end— done well?

29. Which other character would have made an interesting protagonist?

30. Did the characters’ motives seem reasonable or a little far-fetched?

31. Sometimes books start off strong, but have endings that fall a little flat. Then there are books that are a little hard to get into at first, but are enjoyable after a while. How did you find this one?

32. If there were any twists or big reveals, how believable were they?

33. How did the setting progress the story?

34. Was there symbolism present? If so, what did you think of the message the author was trying to convey?

Book Club Questions for Nonfiction

35. What did you already know about this book’s subject before you read this book?

36. What new things did you learn?36. What questions do you still have?

38. What else have you read on this topic, and would you recommend these books to others?

39. What do you think about the author’s research? Was it easy to see where the author got his or her information? Were the sources credible?

40. Conveying research in a way that’s understandable and enjoyable to read for non-experts can be a challenge. How well do you feel the author did this? What do you think of their writing style?

Discussion Questions for Memoir

41. What aspects of the author’s story could you most relate to?

42. How honest do you think the author was being?

43. What gaps do you wish the author had filled in? Were there points where you thought he shared too much?

44. Think about the other people in the book besides the author. How would you feel to have been depicted in this way?

45. Why do you think the author chose to tell this story?

Book Club Discussion Questions for Short Story and Essay Collections

46. Which short story/essay did you like best?

47. Which short story/essay did you like least?

48. What similarities do these stories share? How do they tie together?

49. Do you think any of the stories could be expanded into a full-length book?

50. There have been many popular films that have been adapted from short stories. Which of these do you think would be well adapted into a show or movie?

Printable Book Club Questions

Download all of these in an easy book club printable here .

For more book club help, check out puntastic and fun book club names , some of the best book club books for 2022 , and how to start a book club .

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How to Run a Book Club Discussion That Everyone Will Love

Updated: Dec 06, 2023

Zoe Epstein

You’ve done it!  You’ve  started your book club , invited friends to join, and now (gulp…) it’s time for your first book club meeting.  Don’t panic!  The book club experts here at Bookclubs are here to help with this ultimate guide to running a book club discussion.

You want your book club discussion to explore the deeper meaning of the book, but you also want it to be fun and engaging.  As the host, you feel responsible for making  everyone feel comfortable joining the conversation and sharing their thoughts.  Balancing all of those goals can take some work.  

In this blog post, we’ll unlock the keys to leading a lively discussion, helping you run book club discussions where people gain a new understanding of the book, build friendships, and look forward to the next meeting.  Whether you’re a seasoned book club leader or a newbie looking for some guidance, this post is for you. 

We’ll cover:

• How to choose the right book for your book club
• How to prepare for a book club meeting
• How to structure and facilitate a book club discussion
• How to deal with common book club challenges
• How to keep your book club fun and fresh
• How to keep your club and meetings well organized

Read on to learn more!

First Things First: 

How to Choose the Right Book for Your Book Club

It happens before your meeting, but arguably the most important component of running a successful book club meeting is choosing a great book club book!  The right book is one that sparks interest, curiosity, and conversation among your members.

For book inspiration, browse our  list of the most popular book club books  or check out one of our many  recommended reading book lists .  

To narrow it down from there, we have  five questions we like to ask when choosing a book club book .  

Bookclubs also offers many tools to help clubs select books.  You can keep track of books that your club members are interested in on your club’s Want to Read shelf, and use our  book polls  to vote on your next book choice.  If you don’t want to vote, there are many other  methods for picking books .  

Before the Meeting: 

How to Prepare for a Book Club Discussion

They say that preparation is the key to success, so prepare for book club!  That means reading the book carefully and doing some research and reflection on it.

Here are some steps that you can take:

• Read the book carefully: It goes without saying, but it’s much easier to lead or participate in a book club discussion if you’ve finished reading the book!  Don’t sweat it too much, but as you read, take notes of your thoughts, questions, and reactions. Pay attention to the book’s themes, characters, plot, and style. You may also want to note any quotes, passages or scenes that stand out to you or that you want to discuss at your meeting, or questions that you have about the book.  
• Locate or prepare some discussion questions: Coming to the book club meeting armed with book club questions will help to keep your discussion flowing.  Bookclubs has many resources to help you out, including  hundreds of discussion guides for popular book club books  and an extensive  list of general book club questions for fiction and non-fiction books .   
• Optional: Do some research on the book’s background.  Feel free to research the book’s background and context to enhance your understanding and appreciation of it.  Areas of investigation could include the book’s author, genre, history, setting, and reception. 

During the meeting:

How to Structure and Facilitate a Book Club Discussion

So you’ve chosen the book, read it, and prepared for the meeting.  Finally the day has arrived!  Now to run the discussion…  

Here are some tips and best practices that you can follow:

• Welcome all members and have everyone introduce themselves if there are new members
• If necessary, review any rules of discussion – things like giving everyone a chance to speak, staying on topic, and respecting diverse viewpoints.  It’s always easier to rein back in a discussion that is starting to go off the rails if there is clear expectations-setting at the start.  
• Start with initial reactions.  It can be helpful to go around the room and check on everyone’s experience of reading the book.  This gives every member a chance to participate early on, and also gives you insight into what resonated or didn't resonate with members about the story.
• If you’ve come with prepared discussion questions (see above), pick one to start with.  You may have already come in with a plan about what order to use, or you may want to adjust based on the initial impressions that members have shared and how the conversation continues.  Spread questions out so each one builds in depth. Pace the conversation by moving on when you feel the group has thoroughly explored a topic.  
• Don’t be afraid of impromptu dialogue.  Part of the magic of book discussions is exploring emotional reactions or making connections you didn't expect.  As long as the conversation feels productive, let members organically discuss how the book made them feel, situations they were reminded of in their lives, or even current events related to the themes. The goal is an authentic, engaging discussion rather than sticking rigidly to your prepared questions.
• Wrap up the discussion.  As you come to the end of the meeting, you may want to summarize a few key themes that came up to reinforce the most meaningful takeaways.  You can also ask everyone in the club to rate the book and explain their rating.  This forces members to reflect on both their initial experience of reading the book, and how your discussion may have shifted it.  

Are you a participant rather than the leader of a book club discussion?  Check out our  top 9 rules of book club etiquette  (aka, how to be a good book club member)

When things go wrong:

How to Deal with Common Book Club Challenges

Running a book club discussion can sometimes be tricky or stressful.  Here are some common issues along with solutions that you can try:

• Issue: Not everyone has finished reading the book.  To avoid problems when not everyone has finished the book, it’s best to have a clear policy.  Some options are: a) members should not join the meeting if they haven’t finished the book, b) members can join the meeting but understand that if they do so they may hear spoilers, or c) discussions should remain spoiler free.  Talk with your club about how you’d collectively like to handle this situation.  
• Issue: Uneven participation during meetings, or a few members dominating the discussion. A good book club discussion is one where everyone has a chance to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. To encourage participation from all members, you can use strategies such as inviting comments from quieter members, asking open-ended questions that elicit more than yes or no answers, and relating the book to personal or current issues. 
• Issue: Heated discussions or disagreements.   A book club discussion is not a debate or an argument. It’s an opportunity to learn from each other and open ourselves up to different views. Disagreements can be healthy and stimulating, but they need to be respectful and constructive.  As a discussion leader, you can help  diffuse tense situations  by acknowledging the different viewpoints and trying to find common ground, ensuring that any disagreements remain centered on the book and don’t become personal, and encouraging people to agree to disagree and move on when necessary.  
• Issue: Low attendance.  Low attendance can be discouraging, and it can make discussions less robust (and fun).  To combat low attendance, there are a few strategies you can employ.  First, try using a group organizing tool (like Bookclubs) to help track RSVPs and make sure people get reminders about upcoming meetings. If it seems like the dates just aren’t working out, you can try either polling your members to ensure that meetings fall on the days when most people are available (try using Bookclubs’ date polling feature), or try the opposite tack - pick a set date each month (for example, the third Tuesday) and ask members to schedule around it.  If nothing seems to be working, it may be time to find a few new members to ensure that you have more people at each meeting.  

Supercharge your book club meetings:

How to Keep Your Book Club Fun and Fresh

Even with the best moderation, you may find yourself feeling like  your book club is stuck in a rut.  If that ever happens to you, we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas to keep your book club fun and fresh:

• Out of the box book club ideas  (field trips, themed potlucks, and more)
• How to shake up what your book club is reading and discussing
• New and different places to host your book club meeting

Setting up for success:

How to Keep Your Club and Meetings Well Organized

Bookclubs’ suite of tools makes it easy to keep your club meetings organized.  You can:

• Poll your members to schedule your next meeting date and time
• Keep a shared list of books you want to consider for your next read
• Vote on your next club book
• Schedule meetings so everyone always knows when your next meetings is, and what you’re reading (Bookclubs can even sync with your personal calendar)
• Automatically see if Bookclubs has a discussion guide for your book when you schedule a meeting (if we do, it’ll be linked in your meeting invite!)
• Keep a virtual bookshelf of all the books your club has read
• Share ratings and reviews of the books you’ve read with fellow members
• And so much more!  

Create a free club or upgrade to unlock even more club organization including DMs, calendar synchronization, text notifications, in-app video meetings for virtual clubs, and so much more. 

Create your profile, start and join a book club, track your reading, and more.

50 General Book Club Questions for Study and Discussion

Make Your Next Meeting More Engaging

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As a member or leader of a book club , you are likely to be reading books on a wide variety of topics, both fiction and nonfiction. No matter the genre, age, notoriety, or length of the book of the moment, book club questions can kickstart or enhance your group discussion . Whether you are discussing characters and their actions, setting, theme, or images, having a guide to questions that will lead to fruitful exchanges on your enjoyment — or lack thereof — of the book, plot, and even its moral implications can help make your discussion more productive and keep it on track.

Before Diving In

Before you dive into the heavy plot points, character development , themes, or other weighty subjects, start off your book club discussion by finding out everyone's first impression of the book, advises Sadie Trombetta, via Bustle . Doing so, and starting slowly, "will give you a jumping-off point to discuss what about the selection kept you turning the pages," she says, or what made the book difficult to get through. These introductory questions can help you ease into the more detailed book discussion.

• Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not?
• What were your expectations for this book? Did the book fulfill them?
• How would you briefly describe the book to a friend?
• In a book in which the author was not a character or was not doing first-person reporting, was the author present in the book anyway? Was the presence of the author disruptive? Or did it seem appropriate or fitting?
• How would you describe the plot? Did it pull you in, or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?

Characters and Their Actions

Before other elements of the book, such as the setting, plot, and  theme , the characters who inhabit the book will either infuse the work with life or drag it down to dull reading. Your book club may encounter many types of characters: you may have a round, flat, or stock character, or even a traditional protagonist. Knowing what kinds of characters the author has used to populate her novel or book is key to understanding the story she is trying to tell. After asking introductory questions as discussed above, put the following book club questions before your group members. 

• How realistic was the characterization? Would you want to meet any of the characters? Did you like them? Hate them?
• If the book was nonfiction, do you think the characters accurately portrayed the real events upon which the book was based? If not, what would you have changed to make the book more accurate?
• Who was your favorite character?
• Which character did you relate to most and why?
• Did the actions of the characters seem plausible? Why? Why not?
• If one (or more) of the characters made a choice that had moral implications, would you have made the same decision? Why? Why not?
• If you were making a movie of this book, who would you cast?

Setting, Theme, and Images

Many writers believe that the setting is the most important element of any fictional work. Whether or not you agree — for example, if you believe the story's characters are the most significant element — setting can have considerable influence over the events, feeling, and mood of a story .

If the setting is a horse racing track, such as with a Dick Francis novel, you're sure to find yourself reading about horse owners and trainers, jockeys, and stablehands working hard to prepare their mounts, as well as spirited and competitive races. If the setting is London, events may be influenced by the heavy fog and damp, dank cold that city experiences.

Just as importantly, a book's theme is the main idea that flows through the narrative and connects the components of the story. Any imagery the author uses is sure to be connected to the characters, setting, and theme. So, focus your next set of book club questions on these three elements. Following are a few ideas:

• How does the setting figure in the book? 
• If the book was nonfiction, do you feel the author did enough to describe the setting and how it might have influenced the plot or narrative of the book?
• How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place?
• What are some of the book's themes? How important were they?
• How are the book's images symbolically significant? Do the images help to develop the plot or help to define characters?

Summarizing Your Reading Experience

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a book club — indeed, the very essence of why books clubs exist — is to talk to others who have collectively read a given work about their impressions, feelings, and beliefs. The shared experience of reading a single book gives members a chance to discuss how it made them feel, what they might have changed, and, significantly, whether they believe that reading the book altered their own lives or perspectives in some way.

Don't move on to your next book until you've thoroughly hashed out some of these conclusion-type questions.

• Did the book end the way you expected?
• If the book was based on real events, what did you already know about this book’s subject before you read this book? Did the story reflect what you already knew? Do you feel the book helped enhance your knowledge and understanding of the subject?
• If the book was nonfiction, what did you think about the author’s research? Do you think s/he did an adequate job of gathering the information? Were the sources credible?
• At which point of the book were you most engaged?
• Conversely, were there any parts of the book that you felt dragged?
• How would you describe the pace of the book?
• What three words would you use to summarize this book?
• What, if anything, set this book apart from others you've read in a similar genre?
• What other books have you read by this author? How did they compare to this book?
•  What did you think of the book’s length? If it’s too long, what would you cut? If too short, what would you add?
• Would you recommend this book to other readers? To your close friend? Why or why not?
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50 Great Book Club Questions for a Meaningful Discussion

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Are you always struggling to come up with book club questions to help guide your group discussion? In one of my past book clubs, we literally ONLY read books that included discussion questions at the end of the book because we wanted to be certain we’d have a great conversation.

My current book group is much more casual, but perhaps too much so. Our 2-3 hour meetings are primarily a social gathering with a mere 10 minute discussion about the book snuck somewhere in the middle.

I decided to come up with a generic list of book club discussion questions to compel us to dig deeper than “Did you like the book?” and “Why or why not?” without tying us down to classic literature or books that come with a book club guide.

The general book club questions below work just as well for a mystery with an unexpected twist, historical fiction, memoirs of interesting people, or even a scientific non-fiction book.

What Makes a Good Book Discussion Question?

Before we get to the list, I should probably explain the criteria I used to choose the questions. I used both my experience as a book club member and my background as an English major to guide my decisions. I looked for these characteristics to identify good discussion questions:

• Encourages a closer look at details in the book
• Aids in the understanding of the story
• Challenges assumptions
• Expands one’s thinking
• Enables members to share differing perspectives and opinions

General Book Club Discussion Questions

The book club questions below can guide your group through a meaningful discussion about almost any book.

1. How did the book make you feel?

• Were you amused, upset, bored, angry, intrigued?
• Did you have to force yourself to get through it or were you unable to put it down?
• Are you glad you read it?

2. How do you feel about how the story was told?

• Did it start too slow or end unresolved?
• Do you wish it had been told from a different perspective?
• Did it jump around too much or hold you in suspense?

3. What did you think about the main characters?

• Did you like them? Were they believable?
• Did you approve of their decisions and behavior?
• Who did you relate to the most/least?

4. Which parts of the book stood out to you?

• Are there any quotes, passages, or scenes you found particularly compelling?
• Were there parts of the book you thought were incredibly unique, out of place, thought-provoking, or disturbing?

5. What themes did you detect in the story?

• What were the main points you think the author was trying to make?
• Did you notice any symbolism?

6. What did you think about the ending?

• Were you satisfied or disappointed with how the story ended?
• Is anything left unresolved or ambiguous?
• How do you picture the characters’ lives after the end of the story?

7. What is your impression of the author?

• Does the story seem to fit with what you know of the author?
• What do you think about the author’s writing style?
• What do you think about the author’s storytelling ability?
• Would you read another book by the same author?

8. What changes/decisions would you hope for if the book were turned into a movie?

• Which sections would you cut?
• Who would you cast to play the main characters?
• If the book is already a movie, are you happy with the representation? Do you prefer the book or the movie?

9. How does this book compare to other books you’ve read?

• Did you like it more or less than other books in the same genre?
• Is the book different in any way from the books you usually read?

10. How did this book change you?

• Do you have a new perspective as a result of reading this book?
• Did you learn something you didn’t know before?
• Has your attitude or behavior changed?

Book Club Questions for Nonfiction Books

Some of the best book club reads are nonfiction titles. Hearing other’s perspectives on facts and how data is presented can help us absorb material in a much deeper way.

Here are some questions to guide your group through a discussion about a nonfiction book.

• What was your biggest takeaway from the book?
• Did you end up doing extra research on anything presented in the book? If so, what did you find?
• Did you detect any bias in the way the information was presented?
• Did you agree with the author’s point of view?
• Do you believe the topic was covered adequately in the book? If not, what do you wish had been explained more?

Book Club Questions for Fiction Books

Fiction transplants us into a new world. Depending on our backgrounds, values, and belief systems, each of us is drawn to different aspects of those worlds.

When we discuss fiction with our friends, we not only immerse ourselves deeper in the story, we learn a lot about our friends. Here are some questions to help facilitate that experience.

• Did the story unfold the way you expected? If not, what surprised you?
• If the story could be told by one of the other character’s, which character’s perspective would you prefer to hear? Why?
• Which place in the book would you most like to visit?
• Which character would you most like to meet?
• Was the reality created in the book believable? If not, which aspects were hard to believe?
• Which character was most like someone you already know? How did that affect your perception of the character?
• Which event in the book was most similar to something you’ve personally experienced?

How to Lead a Good Book Club Discussion

Since you’ve landed here in search of good book discussion questions, chances are that you’re about to host book club. If this is your first time leading the group, here are some tips to help you guide the discussion.

Prepare in advance

Choose questions (from the lists above, the book itself, and/or your own ideas) that will allow for a thoughtful and lively discussion.

Jot down your answers and bookmark a few pages in the book that will help you explain your answers. Maybe even highlight a passage or two that you found thought provoking or your favorite quote.

You can ask other members their thoughts on the passage as one of your discussion questions.

Set expectations and some ground rules

Some of the best book club books are those that deal with topics or situations that are extreme. Consequently, members may have strong reactions to some of the content.

An easy way to avoid negative discussions is to identify any potential trigger issues for members at the start of the meeting — allow members to state any topics or elements of the story they’d like to skip over.

Depending on how well your group knows one another, you may also need to spell out expectations to avoid conflicts. For example, is the group comfortable with profanity? Will discussion move around the group (each person has a chance to respond) or can members jump in at any time?

Pose one question at a time

Start with a very broad question that everyone can answer. It can be as simple as “what did you like about the book?” or “what was your least favorite part of the story?”.

Choose subsequent questions based on how the discussion flows. If a question lands flat or causes too much of a stir, move the group in a completely different direction. Or, if the discussion is positive and lively, continue on with related questions.

Be a proactive moderator

When you’re leading the book club discussion, your most important task occurs during the actual discussion. It’s your responsibility to make sure members stay on track and feel respected and heard.

Prevent members from inadvertently monopolizing the conversation by asking questions directly to members who are less likely to interrupt or jump in to voice their thoughts. Restate some of the thoughts shared by others to ensure you (and others) understand what they were saying.

If the discussion starts to wander to topics other than the book, gently guide the conversation back. If a differing of opinions starts to turn combative, highlight the merits of both sides and move onto a new question.

When you’re leading the book club discussion, your most important task occurs during the actual discussion. It’s your responsibility to make sure members stay on track and feel respected and heard.

More Book Club Resources

I hope the book club questions above help you get more out of your book club discussions. Here are some other resources to make your next book club meeting more fun.

• The Best Monthly Book Club Subscriptions
• Monthly Book Club Theme Ideas
• How to Start a Family Book Club
• Great Psychological Thrillers for Book Clubs
• Book Club Book Recommendations from Goodreads

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38 thoughts on “50 Great Book Club Questions for a Meaningful Discussion”

Love these questions! I host a monthly book club on my podcast, so these will really come in handy! Thank you!

Oh good, I’m glad these will be useful for you. Thanks for commenting.

Thank you. Great ideas.

You’re welcome, I’m glad you like the questions. Thanks for commenting.

Hi, does posting a comment put me on the email list? I haven’t noticed the form yet. Thanks for pointing me the right direction!

You can go to any post under “printables,” and fill in the form to get the free printable. You’ll also get access to the entire library of printables I’ve created and the book club questions are in there.

I would like a copy of bookclub questions

If you’re subscribed to my email, you should have access to the book club questions. If not, just go to a post under “printables,” and fill in the form to get the free printable. You’ll also get access to the entire library of printables I’ve created and the book club questions are in there.

I’d like to get printables

I would like to have a printable list. Thank you

Would love printable questions guide Help!

If you’re subscribed to my email, you should have access to the book club questions. If not, just go to a post under “printables,” and fill in the form to get the free printable. You’ll also get access to the entire library of printables I’ve created and the book club questions are in there.

IHow do I print Book Club questions?

Could you please email me the book club discussion questions please. We meet next in May 4 and we are in process of going through our local library book club books however no notes are attached. May thanks.

I would like to have a printable copy of questions for discussion

Would like a printable copy

If you put your email in the form, you will be sent a printable copy of the questions.

Would love printable copy. Thanks

I’m delighted to find additional resources for discussion questions!

I’m glad you like book club questions too! Thanks for commenting.

I would like to have a printable list.

these questions were very helpful in me answering my book review essays thanks

Thought provoking questions. Thank you.

Thanks so much for sharing these thoughtful and relatable questions. I’m hosting this Wed and will use severa l!

Helpful when in a rush. Thank you.

I like your questions. They are very generic and will work for most if not all books. Thank you

I am wondering how to print these book discussion questions too…

If you want the printable list, you need to fill in the sign-up form and then the printable file should open immediately.

I like the idea of generic questions that can be used with all books and seem to get the conversation going.

How do I print these questions??

I would love to have a printable copy. These are good questions.

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These conversation starters that will spark interesting debates and deepen your understanding of the books you read.

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Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by BiblioLifestyle

Looking to elevate your book club meetings?  Look no further!  We’ve curated a list of 113+ thought-provoking book club discussion questions that are sure to spark lively conversations and deepen your understanding of the books you read.  Whether you’re a seasoned book club enthusiast or just starting out, these questions will help you delve deeper into the themes, characters, and messages of your chosen books.  From classics to contemporary bestsellers, we’ve got you covered with a diverse range of questions that will challenge your perspectives and encourage fascinating debates.  Get ready to explore the hidden layers of your favorite novels, connect with fellow book lovers on a deeper level, and take your book club meetings to the next level.  So let’s dive in and embark on a journey of literary exploration together!

Why book club discussion questions are important

Book club discussion questions play a crucial role in elevating the overall experience of your book club meetings.  They go beyond simple plot summaries and encourage participants to engage with the book’s themes, characters, and underlying messages.  These questions provide a framework for deeper analysis and interpretation, helping you and your fellow book club members develop a richer understanding of the books you read.  By discussing these thought-provoking questions, you can uncover hidden layers, explore different perspectives, and gain new insights that you might have missed on your own.

Discussion questions also foster a sense of community and connection within your book club.  They encourage lively debates and allow participants to share their unique interpretations and personal experiences related to the book.  Through these discussions, you’ll develop a deeper bond with your fellow book lovers as you explore the literary world together and gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives.

How to create book club discussion questions?

Creating thought-provoking book club discussion questions is an art form that takes practice and experience.  When crafting questions, think of topics that will encourage participants to engage with the book’s themes and characters.  Consider what made you connect to the text personally and why certain scenes or messages resonated with you.  These are great starting points for finding meaningful topics for discussion.  Additionally, you can try asking questions that explore different perspectives or invite people to share their personal experiences related to the book.  Once you have a few questions written down, go back and refine them to make sure they are open-ended and engaging.  With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to create book club discussion questions that will bring your meetings to life!

What are good book club discussion questions?

Good book club discussion questions should be open-ended and thought-provoking.  They should allow participants to engage with the themes, characters, and ideas of the book at a deeper level.  Here are some examples of good book club discussion questions:

• What was your initial impression of the protagonist? How did this opinion evolve as you read through the book?
• How did the author use symbolism to communicate underlying themes throughout the story?
• Did any particular scenes or lines stand out to you? Why do you think they were included in the text?
• What aspects of the book made you feel connected to its characters and messages?
• In what ways do you think this relates to present-day or modern society?

List of Book Club Discussion Questions

General discussion questions for any book.

• What was your initial reaction to the book’s title, cover, or blurb?
• Did the book meet your expectations? Why or why not?
• How did the book make you feel? Did it evoke any specific emotions?
• Were there any particular passages or quotes that stood out to you? Why?
• Did the book change your perspective on any topic or issue? If so, how?
• Did the author effectively convey the book’s themes? Why or why not?
• How did the book’s pacing and structure impact your reading experience?
• Did the characters feel realistic and relatable? Why or why not?
• Were there any unresolved plot points or loose ends that bothered you?
• Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

These general discussion questions provide a starting point for any book club meeting.  They allow participants to share their overall impressions and engage in a broad discussion about the book’s impact.  Feel free to adapt and expand upon these questions to suit the specific book you’re discussing.

Discussion questions for fiction books

Fiction books offer rich opportunities for exploration and analysis.  Use these discussion questions to delve into the intricacies of the story, characters, and themes.

• How did the author use language and imagery to create the setting and atmosphere?
• Which character did you relate to the most?  Why?
• Were there any characters you found particularly intriguing or compelling?  Why?
• How did the protagonist’s journey or transformation impact the story?
• Did the book challenge any preconceived notions or stereotypes?  How?
• Were there any plot twists or surprises that caught you off guard?  How did they change your understanding of the story?
• Did the book explore any social or political issues?  If so, what were they and how were they portrayed?
• How did the book’s ending resonate with you?  Were you satisfied or left wanting more?
• Did the author effectively use symbolism or metaphors?  If so, how did they enhance your reading experience?
• How did the book’s narrative style contribute to your engagement with the story?

Discussion questions for non-fiction books

Non-fiction books offer unique opportunities for learning and discussion.  Use these questions to explore the author’s arguments, research, and real-world implications.

• What is the main thesis or central argument of the book?  Were you convinced by it?
• Did the author provide sufficient evidence to support their claims?  Why or why not?
• How did the book challenge or expand your knowledge on the topic?
• Were there any sections of the book that you found particularly thought-provoking or eye-opening?  Why?
• Did the author present different perspectives on the topic?  How did they handle conflicting viewpoints?
• Did the book change your opinion on the subject matter?  If so, how?
• How did the author’s writing style impact your understanding and engagement with the book?
• Did the book inspire you to take any action or explore further research on the topic?  Why or why not?
• Did the book raise any questions or issues that you would like to discuss further?
• How did the book compare to other books or sources you’ve read on the same topic?

Discussion questions for classic literature

Classic literature provides a treasure trove of timeless themes and complex characters.  Use these questions to delve into the depths of the classics.

• How does this classic work resonate with contemporary issues or concerns?
• What makes this book a classic?  Why do you think it has stood the test of time?
• How does the author’s writing style reflect the time period in which the book was written?
• Were there any cultural or historical aspects of the book that you found difficult to understand or relate to?
• How does the book explore universal human experiences or emotions?
• Did the book challenge any societal norms or conventions of its time?  If so, how?
• How does the book’s language and imagery contribute to its overall impact?
• Did the book’s ending leave room for interpretation or closure?  How did it affect your reading experience?
• How do the characters in this classic work compare to those found in contemporary literature?
• How does this classic work relate to other books or authors from the same time period?

113 Thought-Provoking Book Club Discussion Questions

• What was the central message or moral of the story?
• What were some of the key themes explored in the text?
• How did you feel about the characters and their development throughout the book?
• Was there a particular scene that really stood out to you?
• Who was your favorite character, and why?
• What did you think about the way the author handled difficult topics or controversial themes?
• How would you rate this book on a scale of 1-10, and why?
• Was there any symbolism or recurring motifs in the text that resonated with you?
• How does this book connect to current events or popular culture?
• What did you learn from reading this book?
• Is there anything you would change about the story or its characters?
• In what ways was the ending satisfying or unsatisfying?
• Did any of the quotes stick with you after finishing the book?
• What were your thoughts on the author’s writing style or narrative choices?
• How would you describe the overall mood of the book and why?
• Are there any universal truths explored in this book that have meaning for other people as well?
• In what ways did this text challenge or confirm expectations?
• What did you think of the book’s setting, and why was it important for the story?
• How do you think this book compares to other works in the same genre?
• Did any particular scenes make you laugh, cry, or feel empathy?
• If you could ask the author one question about this book, what would it be?
• What were your impressions of the antagonists, and did they have any redeeming qualities?
• Were there any moral or ethical dilemmas that resonated with you during the reading?
• What themes do you think will stay relevant for years to come?
• How did the book’s title relate to the story? Was it a fitting choice?
• Which characters resonated with you the most, and why?
• If you could rewrite a part of the story, which part would it be and why?
• Did the book alter your perspective on a certain topic or issue?
• How has the book influenced your thoughts or emotions?
• Did the book end the way you expected it to?
• Can you relate to any of the characters or situations in the book?
• What emotions did the first and last pages of the book evoke?
• How did the book’s pace affect your reading experience?
• Would you recommend this book to someone else? Why or why not?
• How would you envision a sequel or prequel to this book?
• What contemporary issues did the book bring to light?
• Did the book’s resolution feel authentic and satisfying?
• If you had the chance to interview the author, what would you ask?
• How did the book’s genre influence its overarching themes?
• What insights did the book provide into human nature?

• Could the events in the book occur in real life?
• Would you classify the book as a “page-turner”? Why or why not?
• How did the author create suspense or tension in the book?
• Do you think the book would be different if it was written from another character’s perspective?
• Can you identify any symbols in the book, and what do they signify?
• If you could ask a character in the book a question, what would it be?
• How do the book’s themes relate to your own life experiences?
• Would the book’s impact be different if it was set in a different time or place?
• What emotions did the book stir up in you as you were reading?
• What are your final thoughts on the book?
• How did the author’s background or personal experiences influence the narrative?
• Did you find the book’s premise original and captivating?
• Does the book contain any subplots? If so, how do they contribute to the main story?
• How did the book’s structure influence its narrative flow?
• Can you identify a turning point in the book? How did it affect the story?
• Do you think the title gives away too much or too little about the book?
• How has the book changed or enhanced your understanding of a particular era or culture?
• Do you think the book would translate well into a movie or TV series?
• What kind of emotions did you experience while reading the climax of the book?
• Was the protagonist’s journey and transformation believable to you?
• Did the book’s pace enhance or detract from your reading experience?
• If you could spend a day with one of the characters, who would it be and why?
• How does the book explore the complexity of human relationships?
• Did the author effectively use foreshadowing to hint at future events in the book?
• To whom in your life would you recommend this book, and why?
• Do you think the protagonist made the right decisions throughout the book?
• What passage from the book would you quote to entice someone to read it?
• How did the setting contribute to the overall mood of the book?
• If you could change one thing about the book, what would it be and why?
• How has this book challenged or reinforced your pre-existing beliefs or values?
• Which character underwent the most compelling transformation and why?
• Can you identify any strong imagery used in the book, and how did it contribute to the story?
• How do you think the book will be remembered decades from now?
• How did the author’s tone contribute to the mood of the book?
• If the book were to be adapted into a film, who would you cast as the main characters?
• Did the author’s choice of words enhance your reading experience?
• Did the book evoke a strong sense of place? How did it add to the story?
• Did you find any aspect of the book predictable?
• What is your favorite dialogue or quote from the book and why?
• Did the book leave you with any unanswered questions?

• Did the characters and their actions feel credible within the world the author created?
• How did the relationships between characters evolve throughout the book?
• Were there any unexpected plot twists? How did they impact your reading experience?
• Was there a specific event or moment that you found most impactful in the book? Why?
• If you could ask the author to expand on a particular aspect or scene in the book, what would it be?
• Was there a character with whom you shared a personal connection? If so, who was it and why did you feel connected?
• Did the climax of the book meet your expectations? Why or why not?
• If a sequel were to be written, what elements or characters would you like to see explored further?
• Did the narrative style impact your connection with the characters or your understanding of the plot?
• Were there any sections of the book you found confusing or difficult to understand? How did this affect your overall impression of the book?
• How does the author handle the element of time in the book? Did it enhance or detract from the narrative?
• How does this book compare to the other books you’ve read recently?
• If you were the author, what is one thing you would have done differently when writing this book?
• Did you feel the characters’ actions drove the plot, or did the plot drive the characters’ actions?
• How does the book’s ending compare to its beginning, and how do they fit together as a whole?
• What specific techniques did the author use to keep you engaged throughout the book?
• Are there any connections between this book and other books by the same author?
• Did anything about the book surprise or disappoint you? If so, what was it and why?
• How do the characters develop or regress throughout the book’s plot?
• Did the book draw any comparisons between real life and its fictional world?
• What themes did this book explore that are outdated?
• How effectively did the author utilize different points of view techniques to tell their story?
• Do you think this book will still resonate in fifty years, or do you think it is more suited for this present time?
• How did the book’s resolution affect your reading experience?
• In what ways could the book have been improved upon?
• Are there any elements of the story that felt unresolved at the end of the book?
• What would you say are the main themes of this book?
• How does the book provide insight into different aspects of human life?
• Do you think the author’s chosen styles of writing was effective?  Why or why not?
• Looking back on your experience reading the book, can you identify any lessons you learned from it?
• Were there any thematic elements that were introduced but not fully explored?
• What elements of the story were most impactful when considering its overall message?
• Do you think any additional characters could have enhanced the narrative of the book?

More Information About Book Club Discussion Questions

How do you run a successful book club discussion.

Running a successful book club discussion involves more than just having great questions.  It also requires thoughtful facilitation and an understanding of group dynamics.  Here are some tips for running a successful book club discussion:

• Start off with an icebreaker question that invites everyone to share their initial thoughts on the book or any favorite moments they experienced while reading it.  This helps start the conversation and makes everyone feel more comfortable.
• Choose questions that are open-ended and thought-provoking but not too long or convoluted.  Make sure they’re things that participants can easily answer or discuss in a few minutes.
• During the discussion, be mindful of each participant’s contribution.  Some members will be more chatty than others, so make sure everyone has an equal chance to share their thoughts.  Also, try to keep conversations on track, but don’t be afraid to let people explore tangential topics if they’re related to the book.
• Give each participant space to express themselves freely and come up with their own interpretations of the book.  Avoid jumping in with your opinion too often or dictating how others should feel about it.
• Finally, have fun!  Book club discussions are a great way to connect with fellow book lovers and learn more about each other.  Enjoy the journey of exploration together!

How do you make a book club interesting?

Making a book club interesting lies in the unique blend of the books you choose, the discussions you foster, and the atmosphere you create.  Start by selecting a diverse range of books across different genres, cultures, and authors to keep the reading list fresh and exciting.  Encourage lively and open-ended discussions, not just about the book’s plot and characters, but about its themes, relevance to current events, and its impact on readers.  Engage in creative activities related to the book, like themed meetings or author Q&As, to add an extra layer of fun and interactiveness.  You can also bring the book to life by organizing related field trips or movie nights.  Above all, create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone’s opinion is valued and respected, fostering a sense of community among members.  Remember, the ultimate goal is for each member to enrich their understanding of literature, enjoy riveting discussions, and create lasting friendships.

How do I make my book club more interactive?

Making your book club more interactive is all about fostering a sense of engagement and interactivity among members.  Here are some tips to help make your virtual (or in-person) meetings more engaging:

• Utilize polls or other survey tools to engage with participants before the meeting begins, allowing them to share their thoughts while also getting a better sense of the group’s opinion.
• Play games that encourage members to think more deeply about the book, like asking participants to come up with their own creative discussion questions or plot twists based on the text.
• Create smaller breakout groups for deeper conversations and personal reflections, which can then be shared in the main meeting afterwards.
• Encourage members to share quotes from the book that resonated with them or guided their interpretation of it.
• Set aside an allotted amount of time for each person to talk and express their thoughts on the book, allowing everyone a fair chance to participate.
• Have fun!  Don’t be afraid to do something unexpected or out-of-the-box that will make the book come alive for your members.

Where to find more book club discussion questions?

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available online to help you find exciting book club discussion questions.  Additionally, many authors and publishers provide official discussion guides with suggested topics and questions for their books.  Finally, if you’re stuck or looking for inspiration, you can also check out our list of book club discussion questions above.  This curated list includes a diverse range of topics and ideas to help you take your meetings to the next level.

What are your thoughts on these book club discussion questions?

Do you answer or ask questions after you’ve finished reading?  Do you prepare questions ahead of your book club discussion?  Are book club discussion questions used as part of your book club meeting?  What book club discussion questions would you add to this list?  Let us talk about it in the comments below!

MORE READING:

• Explore the World of Book Clubs
• Podcast Episode: Building Connections through Books: The BiblioLifestyle Community & Online Book Club
• Oprah’s Book Club: The Complete List
• Discover the Complete Read With Jenna Book Club List
• Reese’s Book Club: The Complete List
• Good Morning America Book Club: The Complete List
• The 1A Book Club: Our Best Intentions by Vibhuti Jain

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How Josh Giddey's playoff limitations raise immediate and long-term questions about Thunder's plans

Are the thunder willing to deviate from their typical approach.

A little bit more than a year ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder were fighting just to reach the Play-In Tournament. Reaching the postseason would have been a meaningful signal of progress for a team that had spent the previous two seasons in the lottery, but Oklahoma City remained conservative in how it dealt with a minor Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ankle injury. He largely managed to play through the pain, but a critical loss against the Charlotte Hornets came with their star on the sideline. In addition, Oklahoma City used 12 different players in that late-season loss, a rarity even in a standard regular-season game let alone what might have been considered a must-win.

Though coach Mark Daigneault did not directly address the injury or his rotations for the Hornets game, he was asked if he was prioritizing a postseason appearance in the way he approached the end of the season. In short, he was not.

"I think if it is an outcome that is downstream of our process and the way that we're trying to do things it would be great because it would just be kind of a marker along the way, but it's not so important that it's gonna distract us from our way of doing things," Daigneault  said  of the potentially reaching the 2023 postseason. "We need to bet on that, day over day over day, we've done that for two or three years. That's what's put us in a position to compete for the play-in, so for us to abandon that at this point would be hasty, and quite frankly, we need to double-down on this mentality past this season. That's why we're doing what we're doing."

The Thunder ultimately did reach the 2023 Play-In Tournament. One year later they became the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history, and they did so while maintaining that same principle of emphasizing process over results. No member of their team averaged more than 34 minutes, but 13 players averaged at least 10 minutes per game when they appeared, and despite being one of the NBA's healthiest teams, they used a total of 20 players in 10 or more games this season. When the entire basketball world told them to trade for a bigger, traditional backup center, they not only declined to do so at the deadline, but actively facilitated such an acquisition for a Western Conference rival, the Dallas Mavericks , when they sent out a first-round pick in a deal that landed the Mavericks Daniel Gafford . 

Even as they reached the postseason, they didn't budge. They've run a 10-man rotation throughout the playoffs. They used 11 in their playoff-opening win over the New Orleans Pelicans . At a point in the season in which Tom Thibodeau routinely refuses to give Josh Hart even a single rest, Gilgeous-Alexander is the only member of the Thunder to play even 40 minutes in a single game during Oklahoma City's current second-round series against the Mavericks. The Thunder have fairly explicitly spelled out what kind of team they want to be, and at the risk of oversimplifying, their vision is an egalitarian one. They want to spread minutes out and develop as many young players as possible. They want multiple ball-handlers on the floor so no single player is monopolizing their offense. They tend to shun specialists, like brawny big men, so they can emphasize team-wide spacing and athleticism. Those ideals got them this far. The Thunder were elite in nearly every statistical category this season except rebounding.

The idea of remaining true to your core principles is noble. In the playoffs, you adapt or you die. Nowhere has that been more true for the Thunder than in the role held by one of their core players: Josh Giddey .

The No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft checks a lot of those boxes the Thunder have relied on in the regular season. He's essential to Oklahoma City's stellar transition offense, and his passing and ball-handling takes a ton of pressure off of Gilgeous-Alexander. He's the second-leading rebounder on a team that doesn't rebound. He's far from an elite defender, but he's big enough and smart enough to function in a system filled with better ones. These are all positive traits. Giddey is a good player. But he has become by far Oklahoma City's biggest vulnerability against Dallas in a series the Mavericks suddenly control.

Giddey, who has started every game he's played in a Thunder uniform, has played 41 total minutes in three games this series. The Thunder have lost those minutes by 28 points. No other player on the roster has a point-differential worse than minus-8. The Thunder have played 103 minutes in this series without Giddey and they've won those minutes by 37 points. They're still losing the series because the Giddey minutes have been so damaging. 

We are again oversimplifying here, but the obvious explanation here is that all of those traits that make Giddey so important to who the Thunder want to be from October through April just aren't nearly as valuable in May. Right now, Giddey just isn't doing anything to help his team.

In fact, his mere presence has started to prove somewhat harmful. The Mavericks aren't guarding him.

This was, of course, predictable . Giddey is a career 31% 3-point shooter. Nobody guards 31% shooters in the playoffs anymore, and it compromises driving lanes for everybody else. The Mavericks offered a half-hearted closeout on Giddey on this attempt, but just look at how little attention he's getting as Dallas loads up to stop his teammates in the buildup to it. Gilgeous-Alexander drives into two defenders with a third lurking behind the action. Chet Holmgren takes one dribble toward four Mavericks before kicking it out to an ignored Giddey. Clank.

Typically, teams stomach the presence of such pure shooters at non-center positions because of defense. That's why Dallas relies so heavily on Derrick Jones Jr . He justifies his minutes by defending Gilgeous-Alexander. But Giddey? He's mostly taken the low-impact role of defending Jones Jr. Doing so has turned him into a help-defender, but he's just not deterring drives in the way those extra Dallas defenders have.

When switched onto more impactful offensive players, he's struggled to hold his own. P.J. Washington has little trouble bodying him for clean post-up points.

Though defensive metrics are obviously flawed, the tracking data doesn't exactly point to any hidden utility here. Off-ball defenders on low-impact offensive players are supposed to contest shots elsewhere and muck up passing lanes to help generate turnovers. Giddey is the only Thunder player to have spent more than 15 minutes on the court this series that hasn't racked up a single deflection. He hasn't recovered a loose ball either. He has contested six shots in three games. The more traditional counting stats are just as underwhelming. He has nine rebounds and three assists in the series. This all begs the very simple question of what the Thunder are actually gaining by having Giddey on the floor in this matchup?

At the moment, the answer is very little. You could argue they'd benefit more from his presence as a backup point guard. Ball-handling goes further when your high-usage stars are on the bench. But Giddey has played 31 of his 41 minutes in this series alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. That's largely a function of his place in the starting lineup. 

And that's the obvious tweak here: get Giddey out of the starting lineup and use him exclusively when Gilgeous-Alexander rests. The Thunder have never once done that. The closest they've ever come has been benching him at the beginning of second halves, often in favor of Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins .

Both of them offer significantly more utility alongside Oklahoma City's four other starters. So does Cason Wallace , the best defender of the trio. All three offer specific traits that the Thunder could really use at the moment. Joe's shooting is Oklahoma City's offensive cheat code: they score a preposterous 131.2 points per 100 possessions when he played with the starters this season, according to Cleaning the Glass . Wiggins is the healthiest mix. He's bigger than Wallace and offers a healthy dose of ball-handling while reliably making 3's and holding his own defensively. There's no wrong answer here besides Giddey.

But benching Giddey is a tacit admission of defeat, a reaction to outcomes rather than trust in a process. Giddey clearly represents something meaningful to Oklahoma City about the way they play. That's why they've never benched him. But the playoffs demand sacrifices. That often means playing a more heliocentric offense. It means asking the Gilgeous-Alexanders and the Jalen Williamses and the Holmgrens of the world to play 44 minutes and surrounding them with players that either specialize in things that augments them or at least come without the sort of distinct flaws that weaken them. It means abandoning niche players and emphasizing what works.

This isn't exclusively a Mavericks problem. It's not even just a 2024 playoffs problem. Giddey is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. The Thunder have thus far been an almost entirely internally developed team. They got precisely five starts this season out of players they didn't draft (or sign as undrafted free agents) besides Gilgeous-Alexander, whom they acquired after his rookie season: one from Joe, another from Kenrich Williams and three more from Gordon Hayward . Despite their war chest of draft assets, they haven't swung for the fences on an external addition. Everything they've done to this point suggests that their goal is to retain as much of this team as possible and simply build around this group moving forward.

That's viable for now. It will be viable for two more years, which cover the duration of the rookie deals Holmgren and Williams. But eventually, the Thunder are going to have to make some hard decisions. Giddey's extension negotiations will represent the first real test of Oklahoma City's resolve. Are they so committed to their process that they are prepared to pay a player they may never be able to maximize in a playoff setting? The opportunity cost here is potentially significant. The Thunder can create significant cap space this summer and potentially add a different long-term piece. Odds are, they're not doing that and extending Giddey. How malleable are the Thunder willing to be?

We'll find as this series progresses, because everything we've seen on the floor thus far suggests that the Thunder probably need to bench Giddey in order to win this series. One year ago, the Thunder refused to meaningfully alter their approach for the sake of making the playoffs. They believe in the program they're building. But now, they're facing far higher stakes. Changing the way they do things might be their only path to competing for the 2024 championship.

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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Drops Out Of Interviews Amid Tumultuous Book Tour

By Ted Johnson

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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem embarked this week on one of the more tumultuous book tours in recent memory, as she was peppered with questions about an anecdote about killing her dog Cricket, and another story about meeting North Korean leader Kim Jung Un. Major doubts were raised that the latter story was true.

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Now Noem has started to cancel media appearances.

CNN ‘s Dana Bash told viewers today that, after booking her for Inside Politics weeks ago, “she abruptly canceled last night.” Noem also canceled an interview with Greg Gutfeld on Fox News’ Gutfeld! last night, with the host telling viewers that she canceled due to the weather, per Mediaite.

“Blames the weather,” Gutfeld said. “I don’t believe it. I just think it is a little late to keep her on a short leash.” He then went on with Dana Perino “standing in” for Noem, while continuing to mock the governor.

Noem has addressed the severe weather in South Dakota in posts on X/Twitter today.

Noem has defended the decision to kill the dog as an example of the rare politician who has told the truth — “this dog was vicious, it was dangerous, it was killing livestock for the joy of it and attacking people,” she told Fox News’ Jesse Watters. But she has refused to say whether she actually met with the North Korean leader, telling interviewers that she will not talk about her meetings with world leaders, even though she wrote about just that in the book.

“When I became aware of the content, we had it changed,” she told Finnerty. “And that is the way that it is. Should I have put that in, included in the book? I am not going to talk about my meetings. I am not going to talk about my conversations with world leaders.”

Finnerty told her he didn’t think the meeting actually happened.

A spokesperson for Noem’s publisher, Center Street, did not immediately return a request for comment on the plans for the book tour.

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