The God of the Woods

1. How did the disappearance of Barbara Van Laar shift your understanding of the characters and the dynamics at Camp Emerson?

2. In what ways does the wilderness act as a character in the novel? Did the forest feel like a place of freedom, danger, or something else entirely?

3. How does Liz Moore use time and memory to reveal the truth? Were there moments when you questioned the reliability of the narrative or the characters' recollections?

4. Which character's choices did you find most surprising, and why? Did you empathize with their decisions, even if you disagreed with them?

5. The novel explores the idea of identity, especially who we are when removed from societal expectations. Which characters grappled most with this, and how did it shape their actions?

6. How did the contrast between the privileged campers and the working staff deepen the story? Did you notice how power and class influenced relationships and justice?

7. Many of the characters are driven by past traumas or long-buried secrets. How did these hidden histories affect their relationships and behavior?

8. Discuss the role of parenting in the story. How do the Van Laars' methods of raising their children compare to other examples of parenting in the novel?

9. Were you satisfied with the resolution of the mystery? Did it feel earned, or were you left with more questions than answers?

10. What themes or emotions lingered with you after finishing the book? How would you describe this novel in one sentence to someone considering reading it?