Christian Fiction Discussion Questions
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For the person who chose this 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?
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What are some of the major themes of the book? Did the author effectively develop these themes? How so?
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How effectively does the author portray the presence of spirituality in the characters' everyday lives? Has the author succeed in presenting faith in a way that feels relevant and relatable? Are there specific characters whose beliefs resonate with yours?
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Is there anything in this book to which you personally can relate? Is there any advice or ideas you can take and apply to your own life?
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Do you think the author was equally invested in presenting the spiritual world in the novel as he or she was in developing a compelling plot and creating nuanced characters?
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Discuss the book's structure. Does the author use any narrative devices like flashbacks or multiple voices in telling the story? How does this affect your reading of the story and your appreciation of the book? Do you think the author did a good job with it? How do you think it might have been different if another character was telling the story?
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How important is the setting to the story? Is the author's description of the landscape/community a good one? Did the setting of the novel detract or add to your enjoyment of the story? If the book is not set in the present day, are the characters and their spirituality believable and applicable to modern-day matters of faith?
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Were any members of the group familiar with the author prior to reading this book? If so, how does this work compare to his or her previous titles?
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Compare this book to others your group has read. Is it similar to any of them? Did you like it more or less than other books you've read? What do you think will be your lasting impression of the book?
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What did you like or dislike about the book that hasn't been discussed already? Were you glad you read this book? Would you recommend it to a friend? Do you want to read more works by this author?