The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions

*If you are new here, WELCOME! For The Giver of Stars, I provide your book club with a brief summary and book club discussion questions in that order!

The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions
The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions
The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions
The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions

If you haven’t checked out the previous post in the series where I share my thoughts on The Giver of Stars and a fun activity idea for your book club, check out that post HERE.

You can also check out the second post in the series where I share several great food ideas for your book club based on the book HERE.

The Giver of Stars

In this post, I’ll review the premise of The Giver of Stars and share book club discussion questions that are sure to get your book club talking!


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Here’s a brief summary of The Giver of Stars:

Hoping to escape her life of suffocating expectations in England, Alice marries the handsome Kentuckian Bennett Van Cleve. The honeymoon is cut short when she finds herself in an equally stifling situation under the watchful eye of Bennett’s strict father in a small and secluded Kentucky town.

When the chance arises to join the Pack Horse Library, Alice steps forward despite Van Cleve’s disapproval. There, she meets independent Margery O’Hare, who encourages Alice to stand up for herself and fight for true love.

The bond they form with each other and the other three Pack Horse Librarians is tested in unforgettable ways as they journey through the dangers of the Appalachian mountains to bring its hardscrabble residents hope through books.

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The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions
The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions

The Giver of Stars Book Club Discussion Questions:

*WARNING: May contain spoilers!

  1. After reading the book, why do you think that Bennett pursued Alice while in England? If his heart was tied to someone back home, or no woman at all, why do you think he decided to marry Alice?
  2. Margery O’Hare is an independent woman unafraid to walk her own path. Why do you think that she so quickly joins, then leads, the cause of the packhorse library? Is it to educate people, make money, have work, or (fill in the blank)?
  3. Margery refuses to marry Sven, despite the fact that she loves him and he loves her. What do you think the ultimate reason is for this? Why do you think she changes her mind?
  4. Out of the packhorse librarians, including Sophia and Mrs. Brady, who was your favorite? Why? How do you think each added to the group’s dynamic?
  5. Have you ever been to Eastern Kentucky? How did reading the book change your perception of its countryside or people? Or, how did your experiences ring true while reading?
  6. What are your thoughts on the little blue book? Did you find it believable that Alice still had doubts about her and Bennett’s physical relationship even after reading it? Why do you think that Margery stuck her neck out for such a book?
  7. Education empowers people. However, in the book we see that sometimes, despite education, prejudices and preconceived notions take precedence. Discuss the ways this was exhibited in the book and discuss your own experiences with this, if time allows.
  8. Discuss Bennett and Mr. Van Cleve. Did you find anything redeemable in either? What did you think when, after Alice’s abuse, Margery said “It don’t matter how smart you are, how much better at arguing you are, how much better than them, period. It’s when you realize they can they can always just shut you up with a fist. Just like that.”
  9.  Why do you think the townspeople never stand up to Mr. Van Cleve, even after they find out he shot Margery’s dog, caused the slurry dam flood, and turned a blind eye to unsafe mining conditions?
  10. Do you think that Margery murdered Clem McCullough? Why or why not?
  11. Have you read any of Jojo Moyes’ other books? How did this compare?

Don’t forget to check out the other posts in this series for The Giver of Stars! You can find fun book club ideas HERE and delicious food ideas HERE.

Have you read The Giver of Stars? What did you think? Did it satisfy you or were you left wishing for more? What are some similar books you’ve read?

Until next time, Happy Reading!

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