Want to know what’s extra special? When people tell me they’re reading about Wren Island with a friend or loved one. This handy discussion guide for Interesting Enough: A Wren Island Novel can be a launch point for fun and meaningful conversations.
Are you reading Interesting Enough as part of a book club? I might be able to join your conversation! Learn more.
Download this discussion guide as a PDF
Whether you’re pondering the story quietly in your own head, chatting with a friend, or engaging in a lively book club event, may these questions be launching points for endless inspiration.
- Allison talks out loud to her dogs. Have you known someone who did this?
- Allison recalls her mother saying “You can do anything if you put your mind to it.” In what ways do you agree or disagree?
- Allison has difficulty envisioning what doing something important or being interesting might look like for her. In what ways can you identify, or not, with her feelings?
- If you, like Allison, were presented with estranged family members needing a place to call home, how would you respond?
- After not being able to see real whales as clearly as she liked, Amelia imagines an extraordinary encounter with orcas. Do you remember a time when imagination served you similarly?
- Macy admits to being “mostly annoyed with herself.” What do you think she means?
- In a moment of overwhelm, Allison says she’s “getting lost in all the clutter.” Can you identify? In what ways?
- Allison justifies borrowing an acquaintance’s motorbike by reasoning that islanders often band together to share resources. Would you have felt comfortable borrowing the motorbike? Why or why not?
- After a harrowing experience, Amelia worries Macy won’t allow her to walk alone on the beach anymore. Do you think Macy’s concern is warranted? Is Amelia’s?
- At the commune, Amelia learns about simplifying her wardrobe, reducing single-use plastic, and the risk of entanglement from fishing gear. What are your thoughts about these concepts?
- Did it surprise you that the usually brusque Macy used peaceful imagery to help her fall asleep? Why or why not?
- When Allison goes missing, Macy regrets saying—and not saying—certain things. Have you similarly second-guessed a conversation with someone you love, especially when separated by physical distance?
- In what ways does the relationship between Allison and Macy improve? How might their relationship become more complicated?
- Amelia’s experience finding whole sand dollars does not go as she expected. Were you surprised by her response? Why or why not?
- Amelia has the goal of living independently. What approaches for doing so would appeal to you if you were in her situation?
- Do you think Allison should have been more cautious about getting involved with Ralph’s plan to help a family in need? Why or why not?
- Virgil waffles between wanting to respect Allison’s privacy and push for more transparency. What advice would you give him?
- Do you think the relationship between Allison and Virgil will last? Why or why not?
- If you were visiting Wren Island and heard the gong ring, indicating whales could be heard through the hydrophone, what would you do?
- Do you keep a list similar to Amelia’s, of nice things to wish for? What’s on it?
Thanks for caring about what happens on Wren Island!
