BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

1. For the person who chose Pocket of Pain for the book: 
What made you want to read it? 
What made you suggest it to the group for discussion? 
Did it live up to your expectations? Why or why not?

2. What do you think motivated the author to share her life story?

3. Do you think the author is trying to elicit a certain response from the reader, such as sympathy?

4. Describe the author's tone. Were they funny, angry, resentful, etc.?

5. How does the author draw the reader in and keep the reader engaged?

6. Does the author convey his or her story with comedy, self-pity, or something else?

7. Do you think the social issues and pressures of the 80s are the same as today? Or do you feel it is unrelatable?

8. Could you relate to the story from personal experience, or from someone you know?

9. How did you like the setting and the cultural references? Could you relate, or connect? Was it entertaining? Have you been to any of the places mentioned in the story?

10. Do you understand what the title “Pocket of Pain” means to the author?

11. What do you think the author's purpose was in telling their story

12. Do you like the Author’s choice to speak in the voice of the young woman, rather than a narrative style and tone? 

13. Are there any standout sentences?

14. Which scene has stuck with you the most?

15. What is the author's most admirable quality? Is this someone you would want to know or have known?

16. Compare this book to other memoirs your group has read. Is it similar to any of them? Did you like it more or less than other books you've read? Did this book remind you of any other books?

17. What do you think will be your lasting impression of the book? How did it impact you? Do you think you'll remember it in a few months or years?

18. Would you recommend it to a friend? If so, who do you most want to read this book? Friend, daughter, family member…?

19. What surprised you most about the book?

20. If you could ask the author anything, what would it be?

21. Would you ever consider re-reading it? Why or why not?


22. Are there lingering questions from the book you're still thinking about? Are there any gaps you'd like the author to fill in, or pieces of information you think were missing?


23. If you were already familiar with the author, did reading this book change your view of them? 


24. What do you think is the most important takeaway from the author's story?

    NOW FOR THE FUN…


25. Could you see the book as a film? If so, does any film remind you of the book or has the same feeling or style?


26. If Pocket of Pain is turned into a movie, and you could pick the actors, who would you pick for which characters?

Download the “tear sheet” for your event.