The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Which scene from the book stood out in your memory after you finished reading, and why?

2. Discuss whether or not you feel that this book represents an accurate depiction of the American South in the 1960s.

3. If you could describe the mood of this novel in three words, what would they be?

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

1. Would you want the ability to see and hear ghosts, like Genevieve and Mercer? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think Patriarchal Abuses of Power are so often found in religious settings, particularly in isolated places like Columbus, Arkansas?

3. Did you feel sympathetic toward Delilah or any of the other antagonistic characters? Why or why not?

4. Where does your own moral foundation come from? What was your reaction to the religious practices portrayed in the novel?

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

1. The Vietnam War created ripple effects throughout American society. Are there still lingering effects of this war today?

2. How has Southern Christianity evolved since the novel’s time? Do Evangelical communities like those portrayed in the novel still exist?

3. Could this story have taken place in the present day? Why or why not?

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

1. What do Genevieve’s connections to the natural world (trees, plants, bayous) say about her character and motivation throughout the novel?

2. Why might the author have chosen to include supernatural elements in this story? What does it add to one’s understanding of the novel’s themes?

3. How did the author’s writing style and inclusion of Southern dialect affect your reading experience and level of immersion in the story?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Create a visual representation of one of the novel’s key symbols and its importance in the story.

2. Tell the story from another character’s perspective, like that of Wreath, Meema, or Burgess. What would change? What would remain the same?

3. Create a news article reflecting the public’s reaction to John Luther’s death and the inevitable drama that would follow.