Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel weaves together the stories of Millie, Alice, and Colette across three different timelines. How did this structure affect your reading experience? Did you find one woman’s story more compelling than the others, and what drew you to it?

2. The book highlights the power of literature to inspire social change, referencing works like Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. How effective was the novel in convincing you of this power? Did it remind you of other books you’ve read that tackle social issues?

3. What element of the story will stick with you the most? Was it a particular character’s journey, the historical setting of Montana under the “copper collar,” or the central mystery connecting the three women?

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

1. Alice’s Boxcar Library project is born from a passion for books and a desire to connect with others. Think about a project or hobby you’re passionate about. How does sharing it help you connect with a wider community?

2. Have you ever been the new person in a job or town, like Millie when she arrives in Missoula? How did your experience of building relationships and finding your place compare to her journey with the FWP staff?

3. Do you have a creative outlet, like Sidney’s photography, that you use to capture or share stories you believe are important? What truths do you hope to convey through it?

4. Claude Durand believes that stories and art, like Shakespeare’s plays, are not luxuries but essential comforts, especially for those in difficult circumstances. What stories, books, films, or music have been a source of comfort or escape for you during challenging times?

5. The characters often have to choose between their personal safety and standing up for what they believe is right. Think about a time you’ve had to navigate a similar balance, even on a smaller scale. How did you decide what to prioritize?

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

1. The novel depicts the “copper collar,” where the Anaconda Copper Mining Company controlled Montana’s politics and press. Where do you see similar examples of powerful corporate or special interests shaping public life or media narratives today?

2. What role do you think government-funded arts and humanities programs, like the Federal Writers’ Project, should play in society, especially during difficult economic or political times?

3. Does the dynamic where access to information and education is seen as a threat to the status quo still exist in modern society? If so, in what forms have you observed it?

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

1. Colette’s quest for vengeance is a central theme. How does the novel distinguish between personal revenge and the pursuit of justice? What does her final decision regarding Finn Benson suggest about which path leads to true resolution?

2. The Boxcar Library is a powerful symbol in the novel. How does its meaning evolve throughout the story, from an emblem of hope and connection to a site of trauma and, ultimately, a legacy of community?

3. In what ways does Sidney’s camera function as more than just a tool for photography? How does it represent his role as a witness and his struggle to process the trauma of his past?

4. Colette Durand is a formidable woman on a quest for revenge in the American West. How does her journey compare to other female protagonists in similar settings, such as Mattie Ross in Charles Portis’s True Grit?

5. What significance do Shakespeare’s plays hold for different characters, particularly Claude and Colette? How does this recurring motif’s function change from a source of comfort to a tool for both revenge and justice?

6. Finn Benson is presented as a charming union advocate before being revealed as a corporate spy. What clues, if any, did the author plant early on to hint at his true nature? How does his character personify the corrupting influence of corporate power?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you were tasked with creating a modern-day version of the Boxcar Library. What form would it take, and what kinds of stories or media would you prioritize to reach isolated communities today?

2. If you were to create a bookmobile route inspired by Colette’s final chapter, where would you go in your own community? What specific books would you make sure to stock to reflect the people and their stories?

3. The Federal Writers’ Project collected oral histories to create a portrait of America. If you were assigned to interview one character from the novel for this project, who would you choose and why? What three questions would you ask to capture the essence of their story?