Barney's Online Book Club -- February 2010 Discussion

Welcome to the sixth discussion post of Barney's Online Book Club. This month we will be discussing Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The following questions are used to start the discussion, but please feel free to raise your own questions in the comments section. Please note that the questions and comments may include spoilers so read at your own risk.

Let the discussion begin!

1. What are you overall impressions of Katniss? How does she grow and change as the novel progresses?

2. What are your thoughts on the Hunger Games? Do you think that the author uses the games to make the reader think of the reality competitions that are prevalent on television today? If so, what message do you think she is trying to convey?

3. How did you feel about the romantic relationship between Katniss and Peeta? Was it a strategic move or do you feel that Petra truly loves Katniss?

4. Discuss the supporting characters such as Cinna and Haymitch. What does each one bring to their friendship to Katniss? Do you feel that each character has an alternative motive for the relationship that they forge with others?

5. Tell us your overall impressions of the book. Would you recommend it to teens? Why or why not? Will / have you read the sequel, Catching Fire?

Barney's Online Book Club -- January 2010 Discussion

Welcome to the fifth discussion post of Barney's Online Book Club. This month we are discussing The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. Below are some questions to start the discussion but feel free to raise your own in the comments section. Please note that the questions and comments may include spoilers -- so read at your own risk!

Let the discussion begin!

1. How much do you think Melanie's upbringing played in creating the person she becomes?

2. How did you feel about Melanie's relationship with her parents? Melanie begrudgingly gives her father a second chance, but refuses to do the same thing for her mother. Do you feel this was fair?

3. Melanie and her best friend are complete opposites. Do you think that their opposite personalities attracted them to each other?

4. In the beginning, Melanie hates old houses. Was her transformation into a home owner realistic? What was the role of the ghosts in helping her love her new home?

5. What was your overall impression of the book? Will you read the sequel?

Barney's Online Book Club Discussion -- October 2009

Welcome to the third discussion post of Barney's Online Book Club! This month we are discussing Testimony by Anita Shreve. Below are questions to start the discussion, feel free to raise your own questions in the comments section. Please note that the questions and the comments sections may include spoilers! Read at your own risk.

Let the discussion begin!

Discussion Questions:

1. Many blog reviewers have mentioned that telling the story through multiple characters made the story difficult to follow. Do you agree?

2. Did you sympathize with any of the characters? Why or why not?

3. Who do you feel is to blame for Silas's death?

4. How do you feel about Rob's assessment at the end of the novel? Do you think he (and the other characters) will lead a better life because they survived the scandal?

5. What was your over impression of Testimony?

Barney's Online Book Club Discussion -- August 2009

Welcome to the second discussion post of Barney's Online Book Club! This month we are discussing Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. Below are questions to start the discussion, feel free to raise your own questions in the comments section. Please note that the questions and the comments sections may include spoilers! Read at your own risk. Please also note that I will be commenting live tomorrow night at 7pm EST. Anyone online at that time is welcome to join me!

Let the discussion begin!

Discussion Questions:

1. How did you initially feel about Julie and the Julie/Julia project? Did your perceptions of Julie change during the course of the book?

2. What do you think was Julie's true motivation for the Julie/Julia project?

3. Do you feel that all of her family and friends were supportive of the project?

4. Did anything in the book surprise you?

5. What were your impressions of Julia Child's dislike of the Julie/Julia Project? Do you think Julie handled Julia's dislike appropriately in the book?

6. What were your overall feelings about the book?

Barney's Online Book Club -- July 2009 Discussion

Welcome to the first discussion post of Barney's Online Book Club! This month we are discussing The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow. Below are questions to start the discussion, feel free to raise your own questions in the comments section. Please note that the questions and the comments sections may include spoilers! Read at your own risk. To learn more about the book, please visit Sally Koslow's website.


Let the discussion begin!

Discussion Questions

1. What are your overall impressions of Molly and the life she led?

2. What were your thoughts of The Duration? Do you think Molly found what she was looking for there?

3. What role do you think Barry played in Molly's death? Luke? Kitty?

4. What do you think was Lucy's true motivation for taking Annabel from school?

5. Who do you think sent the picture of Luke to the detective?

6. Do you think Molly should have divorced Barry and pursued her relationship with Luke? Why didn't she?

So comment away! And remember to come back throughout the day and reply to other members' comments.