Avoid IS, WAS, and DID questions. You don't want to retell the story or give a test on the contents when you lead a discussion.
At the beginning of the discussion ask your group, What issues in this book do you want to talk about? Jot down a list and try to cover all the points.
Share interesting information about the author (the Library can help you find some), but avoid telling your group what the Experts say about the book. Instead, ask your group how they would review the book.
Ask HOW, WHY, or WHAT questions. They will lead you into areas that are open to interpretation. For example:
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How does point of view shape the book?
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How would another character tell the story?
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What themes repeat throughout the book?
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How does the author make the setting important?
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What stood out about this author's writing style?
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What social issues does the author address?
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Why did characters make the choices they did?
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What actions were you ambivalent about? What would you have done?
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What was ambiguous to you? How do you interpret these passages?
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What questions would you like to ask the author?
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What will happen to the characters after the story?
Avoid asking, "Did you like this book"?
Do ask, "Was this book worth discussing"? at the end of the discussion.