DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Bicentennial Summer

Book Club Discussion Questions for Bicentennial Summer

QUESTION ONE:

QUESTION FOUR:

Coming-of-Age Journey – How does Mary’s understanding of her father evolve throughout the trip? In what ways does she grow as a person by the end of the novel?

Family Dynamics – Mary’s relationship with her younger twin sisters is sometimes strained but also loving. How do sibling relationships play a role in the novel? How does the sisters’ perception of their father differ from Mary’s?

QUESTION TWO:

QUESTION FIVE:

Father-Daughter Relationship – Mary and her father share a special bond, but his reckless behavior challenges her perception of him. How does the novel explore the complexities of parental love and disappointment?

Setting as a Character – The road trip takes the family through iconic American locations like Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and San Francisco. How does the setting influence the mood and themes of the story?

QUESTION THREE:

QUESTION SIX:

The Bicentennial Spirit – How does the backdrop of the 1976 Bicentennial shape the characters’ experiences and perspectives? What elements of patriotism and national identity are woven into the story?

Recklessness and Responsibility – Mary’s father makes several risky choices during the trip. At what points do you think Mary begins to see him in a new light? Were there moments where you sympathized with him despite his flaws?

QUESTION SEVEN:

QUESTION NINE:

Freedom vs. Stability – The open road represents adventure and freedom, but also uncertainty and danger. How does this contrast reflect the struggles in Mary’s family life?

Music and Rituals – Music, especially brass instruments, plays a big role in Mary’s life. How does music serve as a form of connection, escape, or self-expression for her?

QUESTION EIGHT:

QUESTION TEN:

Hitchhiking and Survival – When the car breaks down in Texas, Mary and her family are forced to hitchhike home. How does this moment serve as a turning point in the novel?

Memoir vs. Fiction – Bicentennial Summer started as a memoir before being transformed into fiction. How do you think that influences the storytelling? Do you feel the book maintains a personal, lived-in quality?