My book club met at the end of November to discuss Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson. I only found one set of questions online and they were a bit wordy for my liking. I created my own and edited them after out discussion to reflect what came up most for us.

Book Club Discussion Questions: Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

1. What do you think “red at the bone” means? How does that apply to the story?

2. Which character did you relate to most and why?

3. How does the book explore the idea of inherited family trauma? How does it look at the passing down of history in terms of loss and regret, and also love and guidance?

4. How would you describe Iris and Melody’s relationship? How did it change over time?

5. How do Aubrey and Iris’ class differences show up in their relationship?

6. How does the author use actual historical events to structure the story? How do those events impact the characters?

7. What do you think of Iris’ decision to leave her family? Can you empathize with her?

8. Melody is raised in a “non-traditional” family. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks she experienced due to this.

Feel free to use my questions and pass them on. And, I’d love to hear how your book club felt about this novel!