Book Club Discussion Questions for Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho

• In what ways is Maria's process of self-discovery similar to the rites of passage all young women experience?
   
• Of all the turning points in Maria's life, which was the most crucial and why?
   
• Why do you think Paulo Coelho chose a prostitute as a protagonist for a parable on the sacred nature of sex? Can you think of other memorable literary figures who resemble Maria?

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