The Overstory Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

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The Overstory by Richard Powers

The Overstory

A Novel

by Richard Powers
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  • First Published:
  • Apr 3, 2018, 512 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Apr 2019, 512 pages
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, India's Chipko Andolan and our BookBrowse Review of The Overstory.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

  1. Why do you think Powers leads with the story of the chestnut trees?
  2. How has your attitude toward the environment changed in the last 10 years? How about the last 20 years or longer? Has The Overstory changed your perspective?
  3. Have you been an activist? If so for what causes? What triggered your involvement?
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  1. How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
  2. What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
  3. Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?


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

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Beyond the Book:
  India's Chipko Andolan

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