Book Club Discussion Questions for Blue Sky Kingdom by Bruce Kirkby

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The Spirituality and Symbolism of Buddhist Art and our BookBrowse Review of Blue Sky Kingdom.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. How did you feel about Bruce and Christine's decision to embark on this journey. Did your opinion change as the book progressed.
2. Bruce questions whether or not is was a good idea to get the reality TV crew involved. What do you think it was like for the family? Was it worth it?
3. What were some of the key moments that altered Bruce's thinking about Bodi's autism.
4. Blue Sky Kingdom exposes the development that is happening in the Zanskar Valley--a region that is on the cusp of change. Do you think that this book presents a balanced view of what the development means for the people that live there? Were there any scenes that epitomize the current transformation of the region.
5. It is clear that Karsha Gompa had a huge impact on Bruce Kirkby and his family, but what kind of impact do you think their visit had on the "novices" and lamas at the monastery?
6. How has this book affected your perspective on modern living versus a lifestyle like the one Bruce and his family experienced in the Zanskar valley? Do you think you will be inspired to make any changes in your own day to day life?
7. COVID-19 has changed how we spend time with our family, how we think about schooling and education—and it has certainly changed travel. How does Bruce and Christine's decision to embark on this journey with their children—an educational and formative experience that is well outside the parameters of "school"—make you think about education in a time where traditional schooling is still not an option for many families?




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



For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The Spirituality and Symbolism of Buddhist Art and our BookBrowse Review of Blue Sky Kingdom.