Stoner

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination and death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you feel about Williams’s decision to reveal Stoner’s death and legacy in the first chapter? What effect did this have on your reading experience? How does this compare to other novels that deal with a character’s entire life, such as John Irving’s The World According to Garp?

2. What was your initial reaction to Stoner’s quiet acceptance of life’s disappointments? Did your perception of his character change throughout the novel?

3. The novel suggests that an “average” life can be worthy of deep examination. Which aspects of Stoner’s story resonated most strongly with you?

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

1. Like Stoner, many people experience a moment when they discover their true passion. Have you ever had a similar awakening that changed the course of your life? How did it compare to Stoner’s discovery of literature?

2. Consider Stoner’s decision to stay in academia rather than join the war effort. Have you ever made a decision that others judged but that you knew was right for you? Do you feel the same about your decision in retrospect?