1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What were your overall impressions of The Bird Hotel? Discuss what you liked most and least about the book.
• Did this novel remind you of others you’ve read? Compare the novel to others in the same genre or by Joyce Maynard.

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Reflect on any part of the book that evoked a strong emotional response (such as the death of Irene’s husband and son, Dora’s betrayal regarding La Llorona, or Diana’s reappearance). Discuss why this event was so impactful.
• One of the novel’s themes is The Search for Family, which is broadly cast and applies to finding a community of people that one can rely on. Does this definition of family resonate with you? If so, why?
• The Endurance of Grief and Love is a theme in the novel that relates to another of its themes, The Gradual Process of Healing. Discuss the interplay of these themes in life based on your experiences.
• Explore connections between your life and the experiences of Irene (Joan).