Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner

1. What were the main themes of Bernice Runs Away? How were those themes brought to life by the author?
2. What did you like most about the main character? Least? Did find Bernice to be relatable? In what ways?
3. Did your opinion of Bernice change while you read the story?
4. Were there any quotes, passages, or scenes that resonated with you on a personal level? Which ones?
5. What moment prompted the strongest reaction from you?
6. What symbolism did you find present in the story? Did the symbolism work for you?
7. With respect to secondary characters -- were they important to the story? Who was your favorite secondary character?
8. Did Bernice Runs Away remind you of any other book? Did Bernice remind you of any other literary character?
9. Do you believe a person can change in a short period of time? How did Bernice change during the scope of the story?
10. Did you find the ending of the story satisfactory? What do you think will happen next with Bernice and the other characters?
11. Describe Bernice Runs Away in five words or less.
12. If you were making a movie of Bernice Runs Away, who would you cast as Bernice and John Marvel? Who would play Jason?

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