The Woods

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you react to the open ending of the narrative? Do you think Paul and Lucy’s relationship will survive?

2. Have you read any other books by Harlan Coben (e.g., Fool Me Once or Tell No One)? How do The Woods and its characters compare?

3. Compare this novel to other summer camp thrillers, either literary or cinematic. What is similar or different about The Woods?

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

1. Have you lived in settings that have taken on an eerie reputation, like the woods? What physical or abstract elements of that place created this feeling?

2. Recall a relationship, either romantic or platonic, that ended in your life. Do you still think about this person? Do you think it’s realistic that Lucy is still stuck on Paul after 20 years?

3. Have you ever done something against your view of right and wrong to protect a friend or family member? Do you relate more to Greta or Paul in their argument about betrayal and loyalty?

4. Paul frequently discusses his views on death and his lack of belief in the afterlife, which comforts him. How do you understand death and the afterlife? How does this belief help you deal with tragedies?

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

1. Analyze the book’s comments on the pitfalls of the legal system. How do characters experience justice differently according to their privilege and/or social class?

2. Explore the text’s discussion of the Soviet Union’s culture of surveillance regarding loyalty to the state. How does this culture continue to influence the characters even after they flee the country?

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

1. Analyze the book’s various narrative perspectives. What do the different narration styles reveal about the characters? How did the alternating perspectives influence your experience of the mystery?

2. Explore moments in the text when achieving justice conflicts with learning the truth. How do the characters navigate their desire for both justice and truth? Does justice ever outweigh truth, or vice versa?

3. Compare and contrast how Lucy and Paul deal with the questions and shame of their past actions. How do they each hope to find resolution and peace?

4. The subplots and historical events in the book often mirror the main mystery in Paul’s life. Analyze how these minor situations help him understand the larger picture in his investigation, whether through similarities or juxtaposition.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Music is an important motif in the book. Choose a character and create a playlist of songs that reflects the emotional conflict they experience.

2. Imagine that another character wrote the anonymous journal for Lucy’s class about the night of the murders. What might they remember or describe differently?