Discussion questions for The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

1. What, if any, is the symbolism of setting the book on an island?
2. Did finding out that Leon Friedman was an imposter make you call into question anything else in the book?
3. Compare this book to Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  Although set in different time periods, how are the books similar?  Would you recommend one book to someone who liked the other?
4. Each chapter begins with a book recommendation that illustrates something important A.J. wants to share with his daughter. Which 3 books would you put on your own version of his list, and why?
5. A.J. is disdainful of popular books & television until he forces himself to try them for Maya and Amelia (children’s books & “True Blood”). Is popular something we should consider “bad” or “wrong”? Why do you think AJ feels this way? What is your reaction to the latest popular hit–eager to try it or actively avoid it?
6. The Washington Post‘s reviewer said: “A few genuinely grim moments (death appears frequently and suddenly) are leavened by the animating spirit behind the whole, a light tone marked by earnestness, a straightforward approach to love and joy, and a felicitous charm.”  Did you feel the same way about the tone of the book?  Was it too light, or not light enough?  Or do you disagree with the reviewer’s assessment altogether?

For more questions and a note from the author, check out the publisher’s resources.

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