Several people, especially those with young adult readers, have asked me to furnish a list of discussion questions. After much thought, I have decided on the following 25 questions.
Feel free to print and discuss them with your young adult, classroom, favorite book club, or just as a guide to help digest the themes and historical significance of the American West.
Book Club Questions for To Ride A Wylder Horse.
- What was the significance of the title? Did you find it meaningful? Why or why not?
- What were the main themes of To Ride A Wylder Horse? How did the author bring these themes to life?
- While the term—postmistress—is an incorrect way to address a postmaster, why do you think the author used this terminology? What does the term postmaster mean to you?
- Did the details for the era and location ring true to you? How so?
- What modern issues and/or fears did Essie have to confront in this novel? Did you believe her reactions were reasonable? Why or why not?
- In the novel, the postmistress longs to travel to foreign locations. How did the author portray these inner longings?
- What character would you like to meet in real life? Why?
- Were the items portrayed in the opening chapter explained by the end of the novel? Which ones appeared more authentic?
- Did you feel Augusta’s teenage angst?
- How did Buffalo Vic change throughout the novel?
- What is your favorite quote from To Ride A Wylder Horse?
- Did you sympathize with Nancy? If so, when?
- The American West opened new opportunities for women. What, if anything, did you learn about this time period while reading To Ride A Wylder Horse?
- How did the characters see themselves differently than how the rest of the town saw them?
- Which character did you relate more with? Why?
- Were there any plot twists that you loved? Explain.
- How would you describe the relationship between Augusta and Essie?
- Which scene resonated with you more on a personal level?
- Have you ever defended someone against racist or gender-specific stereotypes? Explain.
- Did you have any questions that were not answered? Elaborate.
- How did you feel about the way the novel ended?
- Were you rooting for the postmistress to find true love and adventure? If so, with which character?
- Did the author do a good job of organizing the plot and keeping it moving? Why or why not?
- Which emotions did you feel as you read this novel?
- If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?
Renee Canter Johnson was born in North Carolina, where she still resides. She has a BS in Business Management from Gardner Webb University. Johnson studied Creative Writing in France and Italy, was awarded two terms at Noepe Center for Literary Arts on Martha’s Vineyard, and completed a Novel Intensive Study at the University of Iowa. Johnson loves spending time with her family and fur babies, and when she is not with them, you will find her reading or writing.
Join her at reneejohnsonwrites.com for insights on travel destinations, books, authors, and living a creative life.
Published author with The Wild Rose Press, blogger, and lifelong voracious reader, with the belief that novels conquered the world of virtual reality long before technology made it possible. The next adventure is just a click away!
Renee Johnson Writes 