By Book Club Team 
Ordinary Grace is a fantastic choice for a book club because it blends mystery, coming-of-age, and deep emotional themes that spark meaningful discussion. Set in small-town Minnesota in the 1960s, it follows 13-year-old Frank Drum as he navigates a summer filled with tragedy, family secrets, and unexpected moments of grace. While the book has a mystery at its core, it’s more about how loss and faith shape the characters rather than just solving a crime. The writing is beautiful yet accessible, making it appealing to both casual and serious readers.
What makes this novel especially book club-worthy is its rich themes. It delves into grief, forgiveness, morality, and faith, giving readers plenty to reflect on. The historical setting adds another layer of depth, providing a nostalgic yet thought-provoking backdrop. It’s also an emotional read—one that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page, making for a more engaging group discussion.
If your book club enjoys novels like To Kill a Mockingbird or Where the Crawdads Sing, this one will likely be a hit. Some great discussion points include how Frank’s perspective as a young narrator shapes the story, the role of faith in different characters’ decisions, and whether the novel is more about mystery or the human experience. It’s a story about loss, but also about resilience and the small, ordinary moments of grace that get us through even the hardest times.
20 Ordinary Grace Book Club Questions and Answers
Here are 20 book club questions for Ordinary Grace, along with possible answers to spark discussion!
1. What did you think of Frank as a narrator? Did his voice feel authentic?
Frank’s narration feels raw and honest, capturing both the curiosity and recklessness of a 13-year-old boy. His voice is nostalgic but also deeply reflective, making the story both engaging and emotional.
2. How does the book’s title, Ordinary Grace, connect to the story?
The title reflects the small, everyday moments of kindness, faith, and forgiveness that help the characters cope with tragedy. It’s not grand, miraculous grace—it’s simple and human, like the way Frank’s family supports each other despite their grief.
3. How does faith shape different characters’ actions?
Nathan Drum (Frank’s father) leans on his faith, even in suffering, while Ruth (his mother) struggles with belief. The novel raises the question of whether faith makes grief easier or harder, depending on the person.
4. The story is told from Frank’s adult perspective looking back. How does this impact how we experience the events?
Since adult Frank knows how everything turns out, there’s a reflective, almost mournful tone to the story. This adds depth, as we see both young Frank’s impulsive choices and older Frank’s understanding of them.
5. What role does Jake, Frank’s younger brother, play in the story?
Jake is Frank’s moral compass—he’s quiet, observant, and often wiser than Frank. His stutter makes people underestimate him, but he sees truths others miss.
6. Did you suspect who was responsible for Ariel’s death? What clues stood out to you?
The book drops subtle hints about Emil Brandt and Warren Redstone, but the truth is more complicated. The real focus is on how Ariel’s death affects the town rather than just solving the mystery.
7. How does the small-town 1960s setting impact the story?
The town of New Bremen feels like its own character, shaping how people behave and how secrets are kept. There’s a sense of nostalgia, but also isolation—everyone knows everyone, but not always in a good way.
8. What do you think of Nathan Drum’s role as both a father and a pastor?
Nathan struggles to balance his faith with his role as a grieving father. His unwavering belief in grace and forgiveness is inspiring but also causes tension with his wife, who wants him to show more raw emotion.
9. How do Frank and Jake change over the course of the book?
Frank starts off impulsive and rebellious, but by the end, he gains a deeper understanding of loss and responsibility. Jake remains kind and thoughtful but becomes stronger in his quiet way.
10. How does Ruth Drum (Frank’s mother) handle grief differently than Nathan?
Ruth resents Nathan’s calm faith, wishing he would show more anger. She turns to music and, at times, alcohol to cope, highlighting how grief can drive people apart.
11. How does the book explore the idea of justice versus mercy?
Warren Redstone is a good example—many in town want to blame him, but the story asks whether justice is always about punishment or if mercy plays a role in healing.
12. What did you think of Ariel’s secret relationship and pregnancy?
Ariel’s choices highlight how even the “perfect” daughter had struggles of her own. It adds another layer of heartbreak to her death, showing how much was left unresolved.
13. How does Gus serve as a father figure to Frank and Jake?
Gus is the opposite of Nathan—rough around the edges, but fiercely protective of the boys. He provides a safe space for them to process their emotions without the weight of religious expectations.
14. What did you think of the pacing of the novel? Did it keep you engaged?
The book is slow and reflective rather than fast-paced, but the tension builds naturally. Some may wish for more mystery-driven suspense, but its emotional depth makes up for it.
15. How does Ordinary Grace compare to other coming-of-age novels like To Kill a Mockingbird?
Like To Kill a Mockingbird, the book explores childhood innocence clashing with adult realities, but it has a more melancholic, nostalgic tone. Both deal with moral dilemmas, justice, and growing up in a small town.
16. Which character’s grief resonated with you the most?
Answers will vary, but many relate to Ruth’s anger, Nathan’s quiet endurance, or Frank’s confusion about how to process loss.
17. Did the ending feel satisfying? Why or why not?
While some might want a more dramatic resolution, the novel’s quiet, bittersweet ending fits its themes of grace and acceptance. Life goes on, but the scars remain.
18. What message do you think the book leaves readers with?
That pain and loss are inevitable, but grace—whether through faith, family, or small acts of kindness—can help people move forward.
19. If the book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast as Frank, Jake, and their parents?
This is a fun question to spark discussion! Ideas might include actors who can capture the book’s emotional depth, like Paul Rudd as Nathan or Saoirse Ronan as Ariel.
20. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
Most readers appreciate the novel’s beautiful writing and emotional impact, but those who prefer fast-paced thrillers may find it too slow. It’s great for anyone who enjoys reflective, character-driven stories.
Ordinary Grace: Discussion Topics for Your Book Club
William Kent Krueger’s Ordinary Grace is more than just a mystery—it’s a beautifully written story about loss, faith, and the complexities of growing up. Whether your book club is drawn to its nostalgic small-town setting, the emotional depth of its characters, or the moral dilemmas it explores, there’s plenty to talk about. Here are five major discussion topics to guide your conversation.
The Meaning of “Ordinary Grace”
The title itself holds deep significance. Throughout the novel, grace appears in small, quiet moments rather than grand, miraculous events. Nathan Drum, a Methodist pastor and Frank’s father, embodies grace in his steady faith and ability to forgive, even in the face of unimaginable loss. But grace is also seen in the way different characters support each other through grief. Discuss what “ordinary grace” means in the context of the novel. How does it manifest in different relationships? Is it something spiritual, or simply an act of human kindness?
Coming-of-Age in a Time of Tragedy
Frank Drum’s summer of 1961 is one of intense change—what should have been a season of boyhood freedom turns into a crash course in adulthood. He’s exposed to death, betrayal, and moral complexity, yet he also gains a deeper understanding of love, faith, and responsibility. How does Frank’s character develop throughout the novel? What are the key moments that shift his perspective? Compare his experience with that of his younger brother Jake—do they process grief in different ways?
The Role of Faith and Doubt
Faith is at the heart of Ordinary Grace, but it’s presented in a nuanced way. Nathan Drum’s unwavering belief in God contrasts with his wife Ruth’s struggle with doubt, especially after Ariel’s death. Other characters, like Gus and Emil Brandt, approach faith differently, shaped by their own histories and hardships. How does faith influence different characters’ responses to tragedy? Does the novel take a definitive stance on religion, or does it leave room for different interpretations?
Mystery vs. Reflection: What Drives the Story?
At first glance, Ordinary Grace seems like a murder mystery, but the book is more focused on the emotional aftermath of loss than on solving a crime. Unlike traditional thrillers, it doesn’t rely on shocking twists or fast-paced action, instead unfolding in a quiet, contemplative way. Did you find the mystery compelling, or was it secondary to the novel’s deeper themes? How did the slower, character-driven pacing affect your reading experience?
Justice, Forgiveness, and Moral Ambiguity
The novel raises important questions about justice and morality. Many in town are quick to suspect Warren Redstone, but the truth is more complicated than a simple villain-and-hero story. Frank and his family must grapple with difficult decisions—should they seek vengeance or offer forgiveness? In the end, does justice truly prevail? Discuss whether the novel’s resolution felt satisfying. Does it suggest that forgiveness is always the right path, or are there moments when justice demands something more?