Discussion questions for Caroline’s Lighthouse

A lot of the YA books I have read lately include discussion questions in the back of the novels. I didn’t do that for Caroline’s Lighthouse, but I still think it leaves room for discussion. Everything I wrote was thought out and intentional. Every description, character interaction, and each snippet of dialogue was scrutinized. It has foreshadowing and irony for people who like to analyze those types of things, but it is hidden enough that people looking for a quick read can skim right over it and enjoy the story.

***Spoiler Alert*** if you haven’t read the novel.

1. Why do you think 15-year-old narrator Caroline Douglas describes the settings in such great detail?
2. For whom do you think Roberta’s death was most difficult, why?
3. How does Caroline’s relationship with each of her brothers differ?
4. Why do you think the people in Bettencourt are so fascinated by the legend of the deaths of Caroline Marshall and Thomas Cooper?
5. How does Caroline feel about her new, closer relationship with Margo?
6. Why do you think Virginia revealed herself only to Caroline and why did Caroline react the way she did?
7. Caroline’s relationship with Bo changes throughout her stay at Bettencourt. Why do you think she was the last to realize his feelings for her?
8. Why do you think Caroline can be more open with Margo about her paranormal experiences than she can with her father?
9. How and why is Jon more skeptical than Brad and Caroline?
10. Justice and Jon appear to be opposites and have a lot of tension in their relationship, but they do share a common trait. What is it?
11. The first two ghosts were waiting for something before they could move on. What were they waiting for, and who provided it?
12. What was the turning point in solving the mystery of Caroline Marshall’s death?
13. Would Caroline Douglas have been able to solve the mystery of Caroline Marshall if Roberta were still alive? Why or why not?
14. There are parallel love stories taking place in the novel. How many can you find, and how do each differ from the story of Caroline Marshall and Thomas?
15. How does Caroline Douglas grow and change from the beginning of the novel to the end? What changes have the most impact on her as she matures?
16. What examples of foreshadowing did you notice? Irony?
17. What are the central themes of the novel?

So there you have it. I would love to hear back from readers and discuss these questions and any more you may have.

Thank you,
Brandi Easterling Collins