Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

1. Under the Same Stars takes place in three different time periods. How does the author utilize the three different historical settings of Under the Same Stars to enhance the story? Discuss how the historical context influences the characters' beliefs, actions, and relationships.
2. There is one central mystery that spans across all three time periods in Under the Same Stars. How are the characters from each time period related and which, if any, reveal shocked you the most?
3. Choose a character from Under the Same Stars whose journey resonated with you the most. Discuss their development throughout the novel. What challenges do they face, and how do their experiences contribute to their growth?
4. Under the Same Stars explores themes of family and belonging. Discuss how these themes are portrayed through the relationships between characters. How do these relationships evolve, and what do they reveal about the characters' desires and motivations?
5. In Under the Same Stars, the acorn is returned to again and again. How does this symbol contribute to the novel's overall themes and messages? Discuss how specific symbols enhance the narrative and contribute to the readers' understanding of characters or themes.
6. "Love is resistance. Resistance is love." is an often repeated idea in Under the Same Stars. What does this phrase mean in the context of the book? What does it mean to you? How can this idea be implemented in your daily life?
7. Analyze the structure of the narrative and the perspectives presented in the novel. How does the author's choice of narrative perspective influence the story's development and the readers' empathy for the characters?
8. Discuss the balance between historical accuracy and artistic license in Under the Same Stars. How does the author incorporate real historical events and figures, and where does she use creative freedom?
9. Many characters in Under the Same Stars face significant adversities. Discuss how these adversities shape the characters and the story. What coping mechanisms do characters use, and what does this reveal about their personalities?
10. Reflect on the themes of destiny versus choice as presented in the novel. Do the characters have control over their destinies, or are they at the mercy of the time and place in which they live? Support your argument with examples from the book.
11. What did you personally take away from reading Under the Same Stars? Discuss how the novel impacted your understanding of the historical periods it depicts, or how it influenced your views on the themes explored.

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