Discussion Questions

Gather some friends together after reading O Little Town to talk about the themes and characters. Use these questions to spark a lively discussion.

1. What’s your initial reaction to the main characters in the story? What did you like about them? What did you dislike?

2. What intrigued you most about the storyline that was based in 1904?

3. In what ways were the two different time periods similar? What were the most striking differences?

4. What did you learn about Walter from the way he reminisced? From the way he interacted with his family?

5. What surprised you most about Adrienne? About young Walter?

6. What were some of the main characters’ greatest areas of personal growth?

7. Which storyline was most compelling to you? Which one could you relate to most from your own experience?

8. Which character do you relate to most? Why?

9. What role did the Crown Theater play in the story? Macalbees? What are some of the buildings or locations that play important roles in your life?

10. Describe your first impression of Millie. How did those first impressions change over the course of the novel?

11. What role does forgiveness play in the two storylines?

12. What does the novel teach about the role of families?

13. What role does faith play in the lives of the main characters? In what ways do faith and family intersect?

14. What story element made you most uncomfortable? What made you want to stand up and cheer?

15. Describe acts of heroism and acts of cowardice from the story.

16. What kind of sacrifices did the main characters have to make in this story? What does that tell you about their character?

17. In what ways did this story inspire you? Challenge you?

18. How did the imperfections of the characters play into the story? In what ways did they seem “real” to you?