Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Medusa by Nataly Gruender

Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. The book opens with Medusa's mother saying "She does not belong there" to Medusa. How does her mother's disapproval of her appearance morph the way Medusa interacts with her family? How do you think her mother's actions affected Medusa's journey?
2. Medusa's two sisters, Euryale and Stheno, are key figures in Medusa's life. How do Medusa's interactions with her sisters change throughout the book? How do you think Medusa defines sisterhood?
3. After Medusa petrifies a dog and two travelers outside Athens, she quickly realizes how powerful her petrifying abilities are. Do you think she dictates her powers or do her powers dictate her? Do her snakes guide or manipulate her actions? Did your perspective on this change throughout the story as Medusa understands her powers more and connects with her snakes?
4. The Graeae tell Medusa a prophecy that a boy named Perseus will kill her. Did the Graeae's prophecy make you worried about how Medusa would navigate the rest of her life, or did you feel confident that Medusa would make the right choices? What would you have done in her situation?
5. Medusa develops a strong friendship with Dionysus. How do you think Dionysus changes her life, positively and negatively? Does she see Dionysus as a friend or mentor, or both? Why do you think Dionysus was the one to become her friend over other gods and goddesses?
6. Medusa creates emotional bonds with Echidna, Polli, Dionysus, and Naidah, but at different times throughout the book. Which relationship do you think Medusa enjoys the most? Which relationship do you think she benefitted from the most?
7. The label monster is associated with Medusa throughout the book. Do you see her as a monster? What other label would you use to describe Medusa, if any?
8. At the end of the book, Perseus kills Medusa, but her consciousness still remains in the world. How has your perception of Perseus changed after reading this book?
9. Medusa was able to learn more about her petrifying abilities over time, but her life was cut short when Perseus murdered her. Do you think Medusa had a fulfilling life despite it being so short? Why or why not?
10. After Medusa's death, Dionysus welcomes her to Mount Olympus as an immortal. Did Medusa receive justice for her death? Do you think Medusa ever wished to become immortal?

For the full book club kit please refer to the publisher's page.

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Grand Central Publishing. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.