Study Guide for Book Clubs: The Goldfinch (Study Guides for Book Clubs)

After initially reading a number of negative reviews from others I was hesitant to read this as I read little fiction and don't want to waste my time. Especially with an 800 page book. However, a close friend had read it and encouraged me to also read it.Overall I found it to be engrossing although a bit too detailed in some areas and a bit ramble y in others. The character of the lead, Theo, is overshadowed by Boris, a much more interesting character. I wanted to smack Theo up side the head for his whining and general lack of character. Both Theo and Boris are totally dishonest individuals but at least Boris is up front and honest about himself whereas Theo is just moaning and pissing about his life.I would recommend this book and note that there is an interesting twist at the end.

Reading the Book Group Notes really helped to broaden my appreciation of The Goldfinch...especially to see the parallels with other pieces of literature, such as Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist or The Great Gatsby. It was also very interesting to read what inspired Tartt to write this book...the "coincidences" in her own life.I had some major complaints about the writing and story line...the Group Notes helped me to appreciate the book and many different levels that I did not see on my own.Very glad I read it.

One of the best books I have ever read; it made me think and it made me appreciate what a novel is capable of giving a reader. It is full of deep developing characters. It's descriptions are so rich that you feel as if you are there with the characters, involved in their lives, whether it is on the bus to New York or in a Denmark hotel. I understand why it takes Donna Tartt ten years to write a novel - it is displayed in every chosen words and every action taken, in everything said and not said. I hope she lives a long life and gives us more novels, so appreciated in this world of commercial fiction.

This is a mini-thesis on "The Goldfinch," packed with very readable/understandable information on themes, symbols and character motivation. It's not only great for book clubs, but also for anyone who might want to delve a little deeper into "The Goldfinch." Find out about the literary influences on the book, bird imagery used throughout, location and mood and the role weather played, as well as a full (and detailed) plot summary and questions for book clubs.

I really appreciated this guide. It greatly enhanced my experience with the book and I wish more books offered a reading guide. I love the input of a literary person who draws parallels and points out references and significances that one may miss. It's the voice of an expert literary facilitator in the book club. Obviously, the author's insight and method doesn't have to apply to this book only -- her approach can be applied to any book and help enrich your experience with literature in general. Don't pay attention to the few lower ratings for this guide...if your book club could do better, then they already would have.

This was the most gripping novel I've read in recent years, but also the kind of book that makes you think about it long after you have finished it. Our book club is devoting a second meeting to just the last chapter. If you want to read it, make sure you will have time, because once you start you won't put it down. It is full of characters who are are flawed, but strangely sympathetic nonetheless, and they are woven together in an ingeniously constructed story. If Donna Tartt is only going to put out a book every decade, I for one am willing to wait for the next one.

This quide was great. I was being allowed only 20 minutes to review 780 pages of a fantastic work of fiction. First it helped me choose key characters and actions to share with my club. The Goldfinch also became more real and I could investigate their comparisons to two other authors -Charles Dickens & John Grissom- and Donna Tartt. It was very stimulating.

The guide provided insights into THE GOLDFINCH that were worthy of consideration. I bought the guide because I was less than thrilled with the original book and it did add some value. However, it's too bad that the book itself didn't maintain the high caliber of writing found sporadically throughout and in the ending chapter.

It brought our book club to life and was incredibly useful to debate the book at different levels.The quiz was a great success to get the evening going

I had chosen this book for our book club so had to lead the discussion. Due to unusual circumstances I'd taken nearly two months to finish The Goldfinch. It was wonderful to find such an insightful summary and group questions. On b.c. day even the quick quiz proved useful because it led to further areas of discussion.