Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee, Fonda Lee

1. What did you know about Bruce Lee before reading this novel? What inspirations from his life, films, and philosophy do you see reflected in Jun's story?
2. The empire of Longhan was divided by a civil war many years ago. East Longhan and West Longhan have differing accounts of what happened to cause this rift. What parallels of this situation do you see in real-life history or current events?
3. Ren tells Jun, "The abilities that matter ... [are] gained day by day, through sweat and tears." Do you have an example from your own experience that supports Ren's statement?
4. Breathmarked people are born with unique gifts and are able to manipulate their own Breath or that of others. What breath mark ability would you most wish to have?
5. The Guardian's Tournament is a national competition that has significant political consequences. Can you think of examples in real life when major athletic events have become entwined with politics?
6. Chang and Ren spread the message of the Silent Flute Society through stage performances. At one point, Jun wonders, "What could a little song and dance accomplish, in the face of political tides far above them?" Do you believe that entertainment is an effective vehicle for protest or social change?
7. Jun starts off the novel narrowly focused on winning and his own need to prove himself. He is not very good at considering others' feelings and personal stories, nor is he good at considering the conflicts and politics of his environment. Can you think of a time when you have been narrowly focused on a goal or outcome to the exclusion of everything else? Are there things going on in the world right now that you want to know more about? How might considering other perspectives help?
8. Before Jun's participation in the Guardian's Tournament, he and his father have been existing rather than living in West Longhan. In what ways do you think Jun's journey, and the development of the bonds he has with Chang, Ren, and Yin Yue, propel Jun into stepping onto, and living, the path he ends up taking?
9. We don't see much of Sai in Breath of the Dragon except in the prologue and the times Jun sees himself in conversation with him throughout the book. In what ways do you think his presence and absence have impacted who Jun is and who he's becoming?
10. In what ways has Yin Yue impacted Jun besides motivating him? Do you think Jun has impacted Yin Yue as well? How so?
11. Did you develop any personal opinions or feelings about the Silent Flute Society, the breath marked individuals, the East and their tactics, or the West and theirs? Do you feel that one side is good and another bad? Do you think your sense of good and bad, right and wrong, is coming from the writing itself or is it coming from somewhere deeper within you? Can you identify with any of the characters or factions on a personal level?

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