The University
A novel by
C.K. Houck
Starters For Book Groups...
1.
The University has several subplots. Which one did you find the most compelling?
The University has several subplots. Which one did you find the most compelling? 2.Who was your favorite character? Why?
Who was your favorite character? Why? 3.Is there a particular scene that lingers in your memory?
Is there a particular scene that lingers in your memory? 4.There are a number of secondary characters in this story. Does one stand out as your favorite?
There are a number of secondary characters in this story. Does one stand out as your favorite? David Bradford
5.When the story begins David Bradford is second in command aspiring to be the university’s next president. Why do you suppose this career goal is so important to him?
When the story begins David Bradford is second in command aspiring to be the university’s next president. Why do you suppose this career goal is so important to him? 6.Do you view Bradford an effective leader? Does he manifest characteristics that distract from his leadership or that you consider flaws?
Do you view Bradford an effective leader? Does he manifest characteristics that distract from his leadership or that you consider flaws? 7.Outside his work life, do you view Bradford is a good husband? A good father? What examples can you give to support your view?
Outside his work life, do you view Bradford is a good husband? A good father? What examples can you give to support your view? 8.In your mind, were any of Bradford’s actions unforgivable?
In your mind, were any of Bradford’s actions unforgivable? 9.Do you think Bradford would be a good university president? Why or why not?
Do you think Bradford would be a good university president? Why or why not? Marjorie Starr
10.Why is Marjorie so determined to make it on her own?
Why is Marjorie so determined to make it on her own? 11.Do you think her life at Brighton might have been different if her privileged background had been widely known? If so, why and in what way?
Do you think her life at Brighton might have been different if her privileged background had been widely known? If so, why and in what way? 12.Early in the story Ann Pate takes Marjorie under her wings. How did that one simple act impact on Marjorie’s life?
Early in the story Ann Pate takes Marjorie under her wings. How did that one simple act impact on Marjorie’s life? 13.Was Marjorie simply naïve or was she courageous when she came to Ann Ramsey’s defense? What do you think might have happened to Ramsey had it not been for Marjorie and Beverly Gray?
Was Marjorie simply naïve or was she courageous when she came to Ann Ramsey’s defense? What do you think might have happened to Ramsey had it not been for Marjorie and Beverly Gray? 14.In what way was Marjorie’s and Payne Walker’s friendship mutually beneficial?
In what way was Marjorie’s and Payne Walker’s friendship mutually beneficial? Susan Arnold
15.Susan Arnold’s character provides a window to student life. How close do you think this depiction is to college life today?
Susan Arnold’s character provides a window to student life. How close do you think this depiction is to college life today? 16.What, if any, challenges do you feel women of Susan’s generation face that her mother’s generation may not have experienced?
What, if any, challenges do you feel women of Susan’s generation face that her mother’s generation may not have experienced? 17.Was there anything more Susan could have done to save Meg?
Was there anything more Susan could have done to save Meg? 18. Did anything about Susan set her apart from other students in this story? If so, what?
19.Does the story end as you’d hoped it would?
Does the story end as you’d hoped it would? 20. Did any aspect of this story remind you of something you've witnessed firsthand?
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