Thank-you for choosing

So Help Me God for your Reading Group!

Try these discussion suggestions.

1. Not since Inherit the Wind has there been a novel published that takes a widely controversial subject and exposes it to the examination of a trial. To Kill a Mockingbird takes on one of our deepest dividing subjects in a different treatment, as the underlying motion moving the story forward. How do these courtroom dramas use the device of a novel to bring social discussion to the forefront? What methods are used, how do the characters develop, what are the strengths and flaws in using a novel approach to serious issues? Consider selecting some of the classic courtroom drama novels as book club features in the future.

2. Do we really know Lucy? Is she only a victim or is there something else that brings her to this drama? Explore her relationships with her parents. What was she reaching out for?

3. Is The Chosen improbable as a character or is he simply one side of religion and politics taken to the extreme? What are the common beliefs that allow his character to take control? Were there clues to his character? Were there red herrings in his story? Consider the social compromises that are made as groups come together bound by a single issue while holding differing beliefs and values I other aspects of their lives.

4. What elements of Tod’s character place him in a truly conflicting position in the story? How is it that he defends the doctor with such commitment?

5. Lucy’s story could have had a number of different outcomes. What are those and how would those have impacted her life?

6. Would Johnny Bob have won? Who is he and what character traits make him a key to the balance in the story?

7. Cross-examination is a significant part of any trial. How could the cross-examinations of the experts in this story been expanded? What else could they have been asked? Could a re-direct examination answer the queries posed on cross? What other experts could have been called and what would they be asked?

8. Jury service is a very important part of our society. Where else does a citizen have a one in twelve vote ratio? How would the jury deliberations in this case have sounded? Could they possibly have decided the case on the merits without the twist at the end?

9. What is Aunt Jessie’s real role in this drama? Where does she fit in her family relationships? How did her role change after the lawsuit was filed? What explains her actions?

10. Every character is developed to contribute perspective to a story. What other characters formed the most memorable contributions?

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