Discussion Questions

1. Turning Pages isn't quite young adult, but it isn't fully an adult fiction novel either. How does the story fit into the two genres, and how doesn't it fit? Do labels really matter when it comes to books?


2. Turning Pages is a conglomeration of some of the greatest story lines in our literary history - namely, the works of Jane Austen. Did you pick up on the subtle threads that pointed to Pride and Prejudice and Emma, and the even more subtle threads that pointed to Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility? Click here for more on that - but don't click if you don't want spoilers! Did Turning Pages give the reader a good modern-day interpretation of those stories? Why or why not?


3. Addie is dealing with the death of her father, and to cope with her sense of loss, she pours her heart into saving the library. Have you ever masked your pain like this? How did it help, or how did it not help? If Addie faced her grief head-on, how might this story have been different?


4. For a time, Addie plays the role of mother in her household. Then, as her mother regains strength, Addie steps back into her role as big sister. Have you ever been forced by circumstance into a role that was hard to fill? Did you grow from the experience, or was it detrimental to you?


5. Not every romance in the book has a happy ending. How did you feel as each failed relationship came to an end? Did you agree with the outcomes? How did you relate to the characters as they faced these challenges?