Old Man's War

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does Old Man’s War compare to other works of science fiction that you’ve encountered—for example, Joe Haldeman’s The Forever War (1974)? What similar tropes, themes, etc. do you notice, and why might science fiction be a good vessel for exploring them? 

2. Discuss how Scalzi balances military action and emotional reflection in the novel. Did you feel the novel managed this effectively? Which part(s) would you like Scalzi to have expanded on further? What were your impressions of the overall pacing of the novel?

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

1. If you lived in the world of the novel, would you join the military at the age of 75 and leave Earth? Why or why not?

2. What are your own views on technological progress? Did the novel’s ambivalence toward technology challenge you in any way? 

3. John and Jane contrast with each other in that John struggles to see a future for himself while Jane has no past. Do you relate more to John or Jane in this regard? Why?

4. Have you ever struggled to follow orders or refrain from asking questions? Did you ultimately acquiesce or resist, and do you feel differently about your decision after reading Old Man’s War?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Which aspects of the novel relate to society today? In particular, how does the novel’s view on war, technology, or personal relationships resonate in contemporary societies? 

2. How does the novel’s depiction of military enlistment reflect current or historical views on military service? You might consider things like the recruiting process, training, mission statement, and more in your discussion.

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What questions about moral complicity does the motif of following orders raise? If you’ve read other novels by Scalzi, such as Starter Villain, how would you compare the two depictions of evil? 

2. Scalzi uses humor throughout the text, especially in John’s inner monologue and conversations with the Old Farts. Choose three scenes from the novel that are humorous. How does Scalzi use word choice, dialogue, irony, and/or narrative structure to convey a humorous mood? What purpose might it serve?

3. Consider one or more supporting characters in the novel. How do these characters impact John’s views or cause him to change throughout the novel?

4. Consider the following objects: the green bodies, the postcard, Katherine’s grave, the skip tracking device, and the beanstalk. What might these items symbolize? Do they connect to any of the novel’s themes? 

5. Identify one external and one internal conflict in the novel. What are the two “sides” of these conflicts? Are they ultimately resolved?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine an epilogue to the novel that takes place after John’s military service. Does he meet up with Jane? How does the rest of John’s military service change him? What are his views on the CDF? Does he stay longer than one 10-year term? 

2. Reread the first interaction between John and Jane, found on pages 262-268. If you were directing a movie based on the novel, what directions would you give the actor playing Jane regarding her motivations and feelings?