When No Discussion Guide is Available - History

History Discussion Questions

1.    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?

2.    How has this book changed or enhanced your view of the subject or events it portrays? Did the book seem adequately researched?

3.    How well does the author convey the era in which the events take place? Did the author provide enough information for you to understand the relevance of these events in a larger historical context?

4.    What did you learn about the time period in which the book is set that you did not previously know? Discuss the time period in history that each person in the group enjoys reading about most, and why.

5.    Discuss the author's use of language and writing style. Does the book read like a collection of facts or more like a well-written, engaging narrative?

6.    Is the dialogue in the book believable? Does it seem to be indicative of the period being discussed?

7.    What did you find to be the most interesting events in this book? What, if anything, surprised you?

8.    What impact did the events in this book have on the course of history?

9.    Did this book inspire you to want to do more research on the subject and time period discussed?

10.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?

11.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 other works by this author? Are you inclined to read more books on this topic? Why or why not?