Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher

1. A Circle of Uncommon Witches tells the story of curses, witches, and magic. What was your favorite piece of family lore, myth, or tradition that was mentioned in the story?
2. As a mimic, Doreen is able to duplicate any spell, and as a creator, Margot is capable of crafting any charm from thought. If you were a witch, what kind of magic would you want to practice? What spells would you want to cast?
3. How did being abandoned by her mother affect Doreen throughout her life? Can you point to moments in the story where this was evident?
4. The MacKinnon women imprisoned Ambrose for three hundred years because he cursed them to never experience true love. Were either of their actions justified? Do you think Ambrose should have forgiven Stella?
5. Although there is a budding romance between Doreen and Ambrose, one of the most important relationships in the novel is between Doreen and Margot. Not only are they best friends but they're also cousins who have unwavering trust for each other. How is familial loyalty presented in the novel?
6. Doreen's family kept secrets from her for her entire life, but she had the courage to go against them in order to break the curse. In chapter 3, Ambrose tells Doreen, "Family is a casualty of living." Do you agree with him? Is this true for Doreen or Ambrose?
7. Did you anticipate that Ambrose would eventually betray Doreen? Or did you suspect that he would eventually come clean about the curse and his feelings toward her?
8. What did you make of the conditions of Ambrose's curse? What is the author trying to say about love and free will? Do you see marriage as a duty or something required to live a fulfilling life?
9. A Circle of Uncommon Witches is told from multiple points of view, ranging from our main characters to minor characters. How did this narrative structure impact your reading experience? Whose perspective was your favorite to read?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of St. Martin's Griffin. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.