The Lake

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. If you could use three words to describe this book, what would they be, and why?

2. Did the book successfully draw you into its premise? How so? Where, if at all, did it fall short?

3. If you have read other books by Natasha Preston, how did this title compare?

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

1. Have you ever attended a sleepaway camp? What about the book's portrayal felt realistic? What didn't?

2. Have you ever revisited a childhood location as an adult? What sort of memories arose?

3. Have you ever felt betrayed in any way by people you hoped would help you? To what extent does this allow you to empathize with Lillian?

4. Do you have a close friendship like Esme and Kayla? What is the biggest challenge you have faced in that friendship?

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

1. How does the novel comment on contemporary concerns—such as teen anxiety, social isolation, or the impact of trauma—and in what ways do these issues shape the characters’ choices?

2. Why do summer camps lend themselves so effectively to horror fiction, and how does Preston use this contrast between nostalgia and danger to heighten tension in The Lake?

3. How might The Weight of Secrets, Guilt, and Lies lead to dangerous and destructive acts? Can you think of any real-world situations in which suppressed wrongdoing or shame has led to destructive outcomes?

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

1. Which of Esme’s revelations or discoveries most altered your understanding of the story, and why did it have such an impact?

2. How is darkness used to set the mood in the story and was the author’s use of this motif effective?

3. How does the novel’s use of Esme’s internal dialogue shape your sense of vulnerability and heighten the prey-versus-predator dynamic?

4. What are Esme’s major weaknesses and how do they complicate her attempts to protect herself and others?

5. How did the story’s pacing affect the reading experience? How do shifts between quiet scenes and sudden violence influence your engagement with the narrative?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. How might this story have been different if told from Kayla or Lillian’s perspective?

2. Write an epilogue from Esme’s perspective. Where is she three months after the novel’s ending?

3. Create a playlist for the novel. What songs did you select to balance Esme’s narration with the violence of key scenes?

4. Create a visual symbol for each major character that represents their values, strengths/weaknesses, or character arc.