review questions for books

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.

Pretty Mess Reading

Book Blog, Unapologetic, Unfiltered, Honest

Book Review Questions You Need To Ask Yourself

I don’t think there is s right way or wrong way to write a book review. I do believe that book review questions prepared before you start writing it helps guide you to write the best review you can.

Up until recently, I would spend hours trying the write the perfect review. Sometimes I would delete a review that I spent hours writing only to start over. Now I have a list of book review questions to help guide me through the process of writing that perfect book review.

The book review questions or guide formula is super easy to follow, and it only takes me about twenty to thirty minutes to write out! So, let’s get straight to it.

Make sure you have your favorite book lover cup ready for your favorite drink. Mine is usually vodka, tea, or water. It depends on my mood.

Book Review Question #1

It’s easy to forget which books we’ve read afterward, that’s why I recommend keeping a log of your books right after you finish reading. You can see at first glance what you’ve read. You’re able to notice if you are missing any books in a series and the order of said series.

List the books you’ve read by title, author, genre and rating.

Often you can compare an author’s work to their latest book. Your ratings are all there to view at once. This gives you the ability to let readers know if the authors’ work has improved over time. You can compare star rating within a series, which will add even more depth to your review. Readers love to know whether they should invest in a long book series before they pick up a book. They want your thoughts.

When you are looking at your star ratings, you can decide if you want readers to learn about your 1 star or 5-star reads. It’s all up to you. I like to use this to give variety to my reviews.

Let’s say the last two books I read were both 3-star reviews but I want to give readers a 5-star book review. I’m able to look back to my list and find a 5-star review on my blog.

Or, if I feel like sharing my favorite author’s book, I can take a glance at my list and write a whole review letting readers know that said author is all about.

Book Review Question #2

Start planning your review as you’re reading a book. This is so important when you are reading a physical copy of a book and not on an e-reader . On an e-reader , you’re able to highlight paragraphs and leave notes so you can go back and use later.

Start filling out your book review sheet as soon as you pick up a book.

Keeping track of your start and stop date is essential to a good book review. We all know that we read books we love a lot quicker than others. If you have a book you started one day and finished the very next day, I’ll be money it must have been a good one.

Tell the reader in your review. Let them know that this book was so good that you couldn’t put it down.

Make note of your thoughts as you are reading. When something stands out to you, good or bad, write it down. Write down a couple of sentences and I guarantee you will be able to turn those sentences into paragraphs.

Write down your favorite quotes or the page number to use in your review. Readers love a good quote. It gives substance to your review. It’s human nature to feel inspired or connected to quotes. Those alone will help the reader connect to the same emotions you felt while reading the book.

The beauty of quotes in a review is also that you can produce at least one paragraph that leads up to or follows this portion of the book.

You should jolt down at least three questions that you thought of when reading. Once you start writing your review, you can answer a said question or express how much you would love to ask the questions to the author. You’ll have another paragraph or two from your questions alone.

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Book Review Questions #3

Pretend like you are a book club for one. I know it sounds silly but I’ll explain how beneficial it will be. You won’t be considered crazy for answering your own questions either.

Ask yourself questions that you would want to discuss with other people.

When you are writing a review you are having a conversation with the reader. Think of them as your best friend in your book club. Ask yourself what would my friend want to, then answer it.

The most frequently asked question in a book club is, “What do you like most about the book?” Your reader wants to know that. There is so much you can say without giving anything away. It could be the writing style, the funny conversations, the setting, the style of clothes, etc.

Pick 3 to 5 questions from the list provided in the free book reviews guide and turn them into paragraphs.

One of my favorite questions is, “What were some of the important themes?” That question alone could fill an entire review. Readers want to know what the author was trying to convey without giving the story away.

Answer the question according to the book you’re reviewing. If you are reviewing a romance novel, go beyond the love story. Focus on the personal accomplishments of the main characters.

Once you have gathered all the information you need from your book review guide, put everything in order. Start at the beginning of the book and work your way to the end as best as possible without spoiling it for the reader.

I sometimes write reviews with spoilers but I always warn readers first. Those are normally the times where I’m so fired up about a book that I just have to rant, good or bad. I’m known for being pretty messy but the majority of my reviews are positive.

I hope the book review questions or guide help you push out your reviews. Let me know in the comments any tips or tricks you use to write reviews. I love find new ways to do things.

Once you’ve downloaded you book review questions or guide, tell me what you think. I want to see if it works for you too.

Don’t be afraid to add in a few personal details that connected you to the book. It humanizes the reviewer. I like to think of reviewing a book like talking to a friend and friends share personal stories to connect and bond with one another. Connecting with other book lovers is the best thing I get out of reviewing and blogging.

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Hey there! I'm Danielle! I just a girl who loves books. I love books so much that I talk about the stories like they are real. Who knows? Maybe, they are real to me. I do love the book world, it's way better than reality. . .sometimes. . .because. . .I'm also a proud mama bear, wife, and mother!

3 thoughts on “ Book Review Questions You Need To Ask Yourself ”

I don’t do book reviews but this was a great read nonetheless. I keep track of my read list by marking them on Goodreads once I’m done, but I sure could use a journal of some sort to remind me why I liked or hated a particular book (because let’s face it, a lot of it disappears from memory, and only the main gist remains). Thanks for this, Danielle!

I’m so happy you liked the article. I have a digital planner coming very soon and you’ll love this one. It’s a bit more masculine as well 🙂

• Pingback: Free Reading Digital Planner | Pretty Mess Reading

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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

View All posts by Teresa Preston

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?

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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The Home of TU Professional Writing Majors of Past, Present, and Future

20 Questions to Ask When Writing a Book Review

By Megan Alms, a professional writing student at Taylor University

You’ve just read a book, and you want to tell the world what you thought of it. Your mind is swirling with ideas and emotions. But as soon as you sit down to write your review, you forget everything you’ve just read.

So, what needs to go in a review?

All of the information needs to be relevant. Every word needs to count when you have such a limited space. Here are 20 things worth considering when you’re writing your book review.

1. What audience am I writing for?

Consider where your review will be published. Who will be reading it, and what will they want to know about a book before buying it?

2. What audience is the author writing for?

Put yourself in the perspective of the intended audience, even if you are not a part of it.

3. What genres/subgenres does this fit into?

Define the primary genre, then find elements of other subgenres that may not have been immediately identifiable.

4. Was I confused at any point while reading?

If the writing was unclear, note this. If you didn’t understand it, other readers probably won’t either.

5. Did I care about the characters?

If the characters weren’t compelling in the slightest, the story likely fell flat. If you noticed this, include it in your review. (This is primarily a consideration in fiction and memoir.)

6. Did it have a compelling plot?

Without a compelling plot, any work involving a storyline will lose the reader’s attention. If you got bored, make it clear in your review.

7. Was the dialogue believable?

If it was difficult to believe anyone would talk like the characters in the book, the characters themselves were probably difficult to imagine.

8. Were the events believable?

At its core, a book (unless purely informational) is a story. If a story fails to be credible, the book cannot succeed at being a book.

9. Did any quotes strike me?

Was anything said that you found interesting, thought-provoking, or tear-jerking? Note these strong moments in your review! (If this quote spoils a surprise moment in the book, include a warning at the beginning of your review.)

10. Was there any information I thought to be inaccurate?

Credibility is important an any genre. If one piece of false information is presented, readers will lose trust in the entire book.

11. Are the illustrations engaging?

If it includes illustrations, note if they are eye-catching or bland. Pay special attention to this if you are reviewing a children’s book.

12. Is there any questionable/profane/graphic content?

Many readers want to be aware of this kind of content before picking up a book. Even if it doesn’t bother you, note anything that may be questionable to other readers.

13. What is the author’s voice like?

Describe how the author approaches the reader. Is the tone comedic, conversational, professional, or aloof?

14. What is the author’s purpose?

Consider why this book was written and what the author intends to convey to the audience.

15. Is the author’s purpose accomplished?

Now consider how the answer above came across. Was it clear, or did you have to “dig” for it?

16. What are the author’s credentials?

What makes this author the only person who could write this book? Do they have a certain education or experience that makes them unique?

17. Is there an index or bibliography?

This extra material, though not necessary, is good to know about before picking up the book.

18. What other books are similar to this one?

What other titles have the same style as this one? Compare it to other books to give your audience a better idea of what it is like.

19. What did I learn while reading?

Did this book make you think more deeply about any academic or moral topics?

20. Who would I recommend this book to?

What specific audience would enjoy this book? Is it worth the time for others to read it?

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

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This is a thoughtful article that should help a reviewer keep on task. It occurs to me that a writer could direct these questions to his own work before he publishes. Thanks for the list.

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Glad you found it helpful!

I certaintly agree with Annette, this is very helpful to witer as well.

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The Best Book Club Questions to Spark Discussion

Get the conversation started.

Besides the below book club questions, remember, the easiest way to be a participant at the book club is to be an active reader. If you're not squeamish about writing in the margins, try taking notes and underlining passages as you go along. For those of you with a library book, author Elise Williams Rikard shared a trick with OprahMag.com. "I put sticky notes on pages that really move me or get me thinking so we can revisit and discuss during book club," Rickard says.

Ideally, everyone would come to the book club bursting with feelings, impressions, and ideas that the book had sparked. Samantha Cerff, an editor for Fandango Latin America and member of the book club Sinopsis in Lima, Peru, recommends organizing all those thoughts prior to the meeting. "Always get your questions ready beforehand and keep in mind some quotes you'd like to discuss," Cerff tells OprahMag.com.

Then, all it takes is one or two prompts to get everyone sharing their takes. Luckily, there's no shortage of thought-provoking book club questions. Bring these with you to your next meeting, and you will be hailed a book club hero .

General Book Club Questions

• What was your favorite part of the book?
• What was your least favorite?
• Did you race to the end, or was it more of a slow burn?
• Which scene has stuck with you the most?
• What did you think of the writing? Are there any standout sentences?
• Did you reread any passages? If so, which ones?
• Would you want to read another book by this author?
• Did reading the book impact your mood? If yes, how so?
• What surprised you most about the book?
• How did your opinion of the book change as you read it?
• If you could ask the author anything, what would it be?
• How does the book's title work in relation to the book's contents? If you could give the book a new title, what would it be?
• Is this book overrated or underrated?
• Did this book remind you of any other books?
• How did it impact you? Do you think you'll remember it in a few months or years?
• Would you ever consider re-reading it? Why or why not?
• Who do you most want to read this book?
• Are there lingering questions from the book you're still thinking about?
• Did the book strike you as original?

Nonfiction Questions

• Did this book make you want to explore the subject matter more?
• What were your impressions on the author's style? Did you find the book easy to read, or a slog?
• Of all the information presented in the book, what has stayed you the most?
• What did you Google while reading the book?
• Did you agree with the author's conclusions? Where did you deviate?

Fiction Questions

• Which characters did you like best? Which did you like least?
• Which character did you relate to, or empathize with, the most?
• If you had to trade places with one character, who would it be?
• Guess the characters' zodiac signs.
• What do you think happens to the characters after the book's official ending?
• What are your thoughts on the book's structure? Did it serve the story well?
• How did the setting impact the story? Would you want to read more books set in that world?
• Did the book feel real to you?
• Did the plot proceed in a way that felt natural? Or did you feel manipulated by the storyline?
• Are there any characters you'd like to deliver a lecture to? If so, who? What would you say?

Self-Help Questions

• Has this book affected the way you go about your life? If so, in what way?
• Did you agree with the author's advice?
• Did you doubt the author's advice at some points? How come?
• What are some passages that you underlined, or that particularly affected you?
• Do you think the author succeeded in what they set out to do?
• What is the most important point the author makes in this book?

Mystery and Thriller Questions

• Which twist surprised you the most?
• Was the narrator's voice compelling?
• Did you guess the ending? If so, at what point?
• Are there plot points the book didn't address?
• Did you agree with the characters' decisions?
• Did the book spook you, or get under your skin, in any way?

Romance Questions

• Did you like the "heat" level of the book?
• Was the couple's connection believable? If so, at what point did they click for you?
• What do you think happens to the leads after the ending?
• What did you think of the romance's pacing?
• Would you fall for either of the leads?
• Did this book melt your heart? Make you believe in love again?
• If it's part of a series, did this book book compel you to read the next one?

Memoir Questions

• Did you find the author's story compelling?
• What do you think motivated the author to share his or her story?
• What did you think of the author's voice and style? Did the quality of the writing match the story?
• How did the book compare to other memoirs you've read?
• How did the memoir make you reflect on your own life?
• What did you learn from hearing this person's story?
• Are there any areas you wished the author had elaborated upon further?
• Are there any people in the book whose perspective you wanted?
• Do you think the author was honest?

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Elena Nicolaou is the former culture editor at Oprah Daily. 

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The Ultimate List of Book Club Discussion Questions for Fiction and Non-Fiction

Updated: Jan 10, 2024

Zoe Epstein

Have you ever found yourself in a lackluster book club where the discussion feels forced or superficial? If so, you’re not alone. At Bookclubs, we know meaningful conversation is instrumental to a rewarding book club experience. That's why we provide an online platform for discovering new books and organizing your club's meetings and discussions.

Our ultimate list of book club questions is designed to reinvigorate your book conversations , whether you’re already in a book club or looking to start one. With questions tailored to fiction and nonfiction works across genres, we aim to help you uncover deeper insights, connect with your fellow members on a more personal level, and simply get people talking.

So dive into our hand-picked discussion questions below, and when you're ready to take your book club to the next level, organize your next meeting and manage your club membership with Bookclubs.com or the Bookclubs app . From scheduling meetings and polling members , to tracking books and facilitating discussion with ready-made book club questions , we have all the tools you need to focus on the joy of reading together.

Jump ahead to the table of contents , or scroll down to find:

• Part I: Book club questions for any and all books
• Part II: Fiction book club questions by genre
• Part III: Nonfiction book club questions by genre 

This is an extensive list of book club questions, so pick and choose the ones that suit your book and your group best. You can also modify them or add your own questions as you see fit. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the book and the conversation.

Additional resources:

• If you’re looking for book club questions for a specific book, the best place to start is Bookclubs'  Book Club Discussion Guide center , which has tailored guides for hundreds of titles.    
• Feeling overwhelmed by all the questions in this post? We’ve highlighted our  top 12 favorite questions for any book .   
• Want help with more than just discussion questions?  Bookclubs has you covered with free tools to manage club membership, schedule meetings, choose books, and more.  With Bookclubs’  app  or website, you can poll members about meeting times or book choices, get automated calendar invites and meeting reminders, and track what your club has read, is currently reading, or wants to read next.  Get your club set up on Bookclubs today !

Table of Contents

Part I: Book club questions for any book

General book club questions

• Questions about the author
• Questions about the writing style
• Questions about the book’s themes

Part II: Fiction book club questions

• General fiction
• Thriller and Horror
• Historical Fiction
• Science Fiction

Part III: Nonfiction book club questions

• General Nonfiction
• Self-help / Personal Development

Bonus Content:

• Printable book club questions PDF
• Discussion Guide Center (tailored book club questions for hundreds of books)
• Discussion questions specific to banned books
• Tips for running any book club discussion
• How to run an online book club discussion

Ready to dive into some amazing book club discussions? Let’s get started with our ultimate book club question guide!

Book club questions for any book

• Would you recommend this book to someone?  Why or why not (or with what caveats)?
• What kind of reader would most enjoy this book? 
• How much did you know about this book before picking it up? What surprised you the most about the book?
• How thought-provoking did you find the book?  Did the book change your opinion about anything, or did you learn something new from it? If so, what? 
• How did the book make you feel? Did it evoke any emotions? Make you laugh, cry, or cringe?
• How, if at all, did this book relate to your own life?  Did it evoke any memories or create any connections for you?
• Did you highlight or bookmark any passages from the book? Did you have a favorite quote or quotes? If so, share which and why?
• What were some of your favorite scenes from the book? Why did they stand out to you?
• What was the most challenging or difficult part of the book for you to read or understand? How did you overcome it?
• How would you adapt this book into a movie? Who would you cast in the leading roles?
• If there was one thing about the book you could have improved, what would it be?
• Rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.  Why did you give the book the rating you did?  Did any part of this book club discussion change your rating from what it would have been directly after finishing the book? 

General book club questions – Author

• Who is the author and what is their background or experience in relation to the book?
• Why do you think the author wrote this book and what was their purpose or goal?
• How much do you think the author’s personal views or biases influenced the book and how do you feel about that?
• How does this book compare to other books by the same author or in the same genre?
• If you could ask the author one question about this book, what would it be?

General book club questions – Writing style

• Did you find the author’s writing style easy to read or hard to read? How long did it take you to get into the book? 
• How did the author use language, tone, structure, imagery, dialogue, etc. to tell the story and create an effect on the reader?
• Did the author use any literary devices, techniques, or styles to enhance their writing, and to what effect?
• Discuss the author’s use of symbols, metaphors, or imagery to convey their ideas or emotions.
• What did you like or dislike about the author’s writing style and why?
• How did the author’s writing style enhance or detract from the story or the message of the book?
• How would you describe the author’s writing style in a few words?
• Did the author’s style and voice suit the genre and tone of the book?

General book club questions – Themes:

• What were the main themes or messages of the book and how did they relate to the story?
• How did the book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?
• What did you learn from the book or what did it teach you about yourself or others?
• How did the book challenge or change your perspective or opinion on something?
• How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life, or to society today?

Book club discussion questions for fiction

General fiction book club questions.

• Who was your favorite character and why?
• Which character did you find the most complex or intriguing and why?
• How did the main character(s) change or grow throughout the story?
• How did the secondary characters impact or influence the main character(s) or story?
• Which character did you relate to or empathize with the most and why?
• Which character did you dislike or disagree with the most and why?
• Are there any characters you wish you could have given advice to? What would you tell them?
• What do you think happens to the characters after the novel concludes?
• How did the author create conflict and tension in the book? What was the main conflict or problem in the story and how was it resolved?
• How did the author keep you interested or surprised throughout the story?
• What was the most memorable or shocking scene or twist in the story and why?
• What was the most satisfying or disappointing part of the story and why?
• How did you feel about the ending? Was it satisfying or did you want more?

Mystery book club questions

• Were you surprised by who ended up being the person who committed the crime?  If you guessed who did it, what clues did you notice that made you suspect them?  If you were surprised, who did you think it was going to be instead?  What was the biggest red herring that threw you off track?
• How did the author introduce the main mystery or crime in the book? Did it grab your attention and make you curious right from the beginning?
• How did the author create suspense and intrigue throughout the book? What techniques did they use to keep you engaged and guessing?
• Did you find that the clues and evidence presented in the book made sense and fit together? If not, what stuck out for you?
• How did the author develop the main character(s), especially the detective or sleuth? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any quirks or habits that made them memorable?
• How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the solution or reveal of the mystery or crime? Did it make sense and tie up all the loose ends?
• How did the author explore themes such as justice, truth, deception, or morality?

Thriller and horror book club discussion questions

• How did the setting and atmosphere of the book affect the mood and tone of the story? Did it create a sense of danger, mystery, dread or unease?
• How did the author generate suspense and tension throughout the book? How did they initially draw you in?  What techniques did they use to keep you hooked and on edge?
• Did the author surprise or shock you with twists and turns in the plot? Did you see them coming or were you caught off guard?  
• What did you think of the main character?  Did they make any decisions that you didn’t agree with in response to the conflict of the novel?
• Most thriller or horror stories have a villain.  How did the author portray them?  Did you understand their motives or methods? Did they have any redeeming qualities or human emotions?
• How did the author use different perspectives or narrators to tell the story? Did it add to the complexity or confusion of the plot? Did it reveal any secrets or clues that you missed before?
• How did the author balance the action and/or violence with the psychological and emotional aspects of the story? 
• How did the author explore themes such as justice, morality, revenge, loyalty, or survival?
• If there was a supernatural element to the story, what was its purpose?  Was it merely to advance to the plot or was it a metaphor for something else?
• Were you satisfied with the book’s outcome or did you have any questions or doubts left unanswered?

Historical fiction book club questions

• How did the author blend historical facts and fiction in this book? Did you find the book accurate and authentic?
• How did the author portray the historical setting and period of this book? Did you learn anything new or interesting about the time and place of the story?
• Did the author use any historical sources or references in this book? Did you find them helpful and credible?
• Did this book challenge or change your perspective on any historical events or figures? Did it make you want to learn more about them?
• How did this book relate to your own life experiences or interests in the present day? 
• If you could travel back in time to the historical setting and period of this book, what would you do or see?

Romance book club questions

• Was the romance believable to you? Why or why not?
• How did you feel about the main couple’s chemistry and compatibility? Did you root for them or not?
• What did you think of the main conflict or obstacle that kept the couple apart? Was it realistic or contrived?
• How did the setting and time period of the novel affect the romance? Did it add to the atmosphere or create challenges for the characters?
• How did the author balance the romance with other elements such as humor, suspense, drama, or social commentary?
• How did the secondary characters contribute to the story and the romance? Did you have a favorite or least favorite side character?
• What do you think happens to the main couple after the novel ends?
• How did the novel explore themes such as love, trust, communication, family, identity, or sexuality?
• How did you like the level of heat in the novel?

Fantasy book club questions

• How did the author create the fantasy world in the book? Did they provide any maps, glossaries, or appendices to help you understand it?
• Did the main characters have any special abilities or powers that made them unique or powerful?  If so, are these powers or abilities that you’d like to have?  Why or why not?  What would you do with these abilities?
• How did the author present the magic system in the book? Did they do a good job of explaining how it works and what its rules and limitations are? Did it make sense and fit with the story?
• How did the author portray any other races or creatures in the book? If so, what did you think of their culture or history? 
• How did the author use the setting and atmosphere of the book to enhance the fantasy and mood of the story? 
• How did the author explore themes such as heroism, destiny, loyalty, or morality?

Sci-fi book club questions

• How did the author create the science fiction world or scenario in the book? 
• Did the author use any scientific or technological concepts or theories to support their imagination?
• Did you find the world or scenario they created plausible?  Why or why not?  
• Contrast the science fiction world with our actual world.  Would you want to live in the world the author built?  
• What does the world of the book say about our actual world, if anything? Is it optimistic about a potential future or cautionary?
• How do the book’s characters react to the science fiction world or scenario they experience? How does it compare to how you would react if placed in this situation or world?
• Did the main characters have any special skills or abilities that made them fit or stand out in the science fiction world or scenario?

Book club discussion questions for non-fiction

General non-fiction book club questions.

• How would you describe the book in one sentence? What is the main point or purpose of the book?
• What are some of the questions or criticisms you have about the book? How would you challenge or debate the author’s claims or arguments?
• How did the book change your opinion or perspective on the topic? Did it confirm or contradict any of your assumptions or expectations?
• What was the most memorable or impactful story, anecdote, or example in the book? Why did it stand out to you?
• What was the most surprising or shocking thing you learned from the book? How did it make you feel?
• How did the author engage and persuade you as a reader in the book? 
• How did the author’s choice of how to frame and organize the book impact its effectiveness for you?
• How did the author address any counter arguments or criticisms in the book? Did they acknowledge any limitations, gaps, or biases in their research or writing?  Did you find their arguments convincing?
• What are some of the ethical, moral, or social implications of the book? How does it challenge or support your values or beliefs?
• Did the book inspire you to take action, change your behavior, or think differently about something?
• What are some of the limitations or biases of the book? How does it reflect the author’s background, perspective, or agenda?

Memoir book club questions

• Did the author use a chronological, thematic, or episodic structure to tell their life story in the book, and how did this choice enhance their narrative?
• How did the author develop their voice and personality in the book? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any humor, honesty, or insight that made them memorable or relatable?
• How did the author create interest and engagement in the book? What were the main events or turning points that shaped their life story? How did they capture your attention and curiosity?
• Did the author surprise you with any revelations or discoveries in the book? Did you learn anything new or unexpected about them or their life experiences?
• How did the author portray the other people in their life in the book? What was their influence or impact on the author’s life choices or outcomes?
• How did the author explore topics such as identity, family, relationships, career, or spirituality?
• How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the conclusion or reflection of the author’s life journey? 
• How did the author’s story make you reflect on your own life and experiences?
• Why do you think the author wanted to tell their story? What do you think is the main thing they wanted you to come away from reading the book with?  
• Did you find the author to be a reliable narrator of their own history? Why or why not?

Biography book club questions

• How did the author research and write the biography of the subject? Did they use any sources, interviews, or documents to support their facts and claims?  Did you trust that they are an authoritative source on the subject?
• How did the author portray the subject’s personality and character in the book? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any strengths, weaknesses, or quirks that made them unique or influential?
• How did the author present the main achievements or contributions of the subject in the book? What made them noteworthy as the subject of a book? Did they make a lasting impact or legacy in their field or society?
• How did the author create interest and engagement in the book? What were the main events or challenges that shaped the subject’s life story? How did they capture your attention and curiosity?
• How much did you know about the subject of the book before reading?  Did you learn anything new or surprising about them?
• How did the author use the setting and context of the book to enhance the subject’s life story and perspective? Did the author succeed in creating a sense of time, place, or culture?
• How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the summary or evaluation of the subject’s life journey? Did it inspire you or challenge you in any way?

Self-help / personal development book club questions

• What was the main message or lesson of this book? Did you find it inspiring and motivating?
• How did this book relate to your own life experiences or interests? Did it inspire you to take any action or make any changes in your life?
• How do you plan to implement what you learned from this book in your daily life? What are some specific steps or strategies that you will use?
• What was the most useful or valuable advice or tip that you learned from this book? 
• How credible and reliable do you think this book is as a source of guidance and support on its topic or issue? What sources or references did the author cite that add to its credibility? 
• What questions do you still have after reading this book? What would you like to learn more about?
• What piece of advice from this book do you think will be most difficult for you to apply? Why? 
• Was there any guidance or advice in this book that you disagreed with?

Book club questions PDF

Looking for printable book club discussion questions to bring with you to book club?  To download a free, printable, PDF version of this ultimate list of 124 book club questions, click here .  

Book club questions for specific books

Bookclubs' Book Club Discussion Guide center  has reading guides for hundreds of titles.  Check back often as we add new discussion guides every week.  If we don’t have a discussion guide for your upcoming book yet, request it to get notified when one is added, and to help us prioritize which guides to create!

Looking for more on how to run a book club discussion?

Coming prepared with good discussion questions is only the first step to a great book club conversation.  Bookclubs also has all the club organizing tools you’ll need to keep your book club running smoothly. 

• Automated Meeting Scheduling & Reminders: The meeting syncs with your calendar and all members receive meeting reminders so whether you’re meeting virtually or in-person, you’re keeping book club on the calendar!
• Interactive Polls: Avoid those lengthy email chains with our interactive polls for book selection, choosing your next meeting time, and more.
• Message Boards & 1:1 Direct Messages: Share your latest book banter with direct messaging features and club message boards.
• Digital Shelving: Keep track of what your club (or you) has read and wants to read next. See in an instant what your club is reading this month, view your past reads in one place, and recommend books to each other – so you always have options for what to read next!
• Grow Your Club: Looking to connect with readers outside your personal circle? Open your club to the public and find new members in your hometown or across the globe.

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Cristina Felix

Feb 05, 2024 - 2 months

Where do we ask oddly specific yet vague questions like “What’s a good fantasy romance where the main character falls in love with a side character instead of the obvious prince”?

Zoe E. (Bookclubs)

Sep 26, 2023 - 1 year

Hi Valerie, for specific books, visit www.bookclubs.com/discussion-guides. We have questions for hundreds of the most popular book club books.

Valerie Giglio

Aug 19, 2023 - 1 year

Do you have specific questions for a specific book?