Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

1. The Underground Library is a love letter to books and the power of literature—are books special to you for some of the reasons they are important to the characters of this novel? Why?
2. Juliet says, "To me, books are like old friends, telling us great truths, holding our hands through the difficulties, showing us light and joy at the end of every tunnel." What book changed your life or got you through a difficult time?
3. Juliet, Katie, and Sofie have their love of books in common, but otherwise each character is so unique. Which character did you relate to the most? Why?
4. What did you think of each character's individual struggles? What did you think of the way they forged their own paths in life and never gave up on themselves?
5. Of Juliet's childhood, Jennifer Ryan writes, "Being in the library reminded her of life's potential, of who she wanted to be." Did you go to the local library where you grew up? What is your favorite memory there?
6. Throughout the story, the theme is unlikely friendships and found family, particularly in the community formed as the neighborhood sheltered in the Underground station. Who is in your found family?
7. Of the Bethnal Green community outside of Juliet, Katie, and Sofie, which character was your favorite and why?
8. There are also several different love stories in the novel—which was your favorite and why?
9. Did you know the true history of the Bethnal Green Library in World War II before reading The Underground Library?
10. What did you think of the author's portrayal of life in London during the Blitz? Can you imagine how difficult life must have been with constant air raids, fires, curfews, and blackout curtains?
11. Did any of your first impressions of the characters change? Who was your favorite character? Least favorite?
12. Who would you cast in the film adaptation of The Underground Library?

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