By Book Club Team 
Mad Honey would be excellent for any book club, weaving in complex shades of emotion with interesting themes and discussions galore. Coauthored by acclaimed bestselling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, this work strings together stories of identity and love, along with such important themes as family dynamics and LGBTQ+ interests, and how and when we keep secrets to protect not only ourselves, but those we love. It’s deep enough that there is something for any and all readers to connect to, be it through the emotional depth, the suspenseful plot, or beautifully fleshed-out characters.
The story is told in dual narration, switching between Olivia-a beekeeper fleeing a painful past-and Lily, the teen who relocates, catching feelings for Olivia’s son, Asher. That invites readers to take a look at events from all sides, and this invites deeper discussions of trust, perception, and choice. The story then encompasses the thrilling appeals of a court drama, riddled with mysteries and moral dilemma, as disaster strikes, leading Asher under suspicion for murder.
But beyond the compulsive plotting, Mad Honey dives head-first into some timely social issues that book clubs can talk and share perspectives about. Emotionally charged with lingering impacts, it is truly one of the better choices for groups inquiring about hard-hearted and real discussion themes. Be ready to talk passionately, because here is one emotionally poignant tear-shedder with so much on the line.
20 Mad Honey Book Club Questions
Here’s a list of 20 book club questions for Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, along with sample answers to help guide your discussion:
- What did you think about the dual narrative structure? Did it enhance your understanding of the story? Answer: The dual narrative was very effective. It allowed readers to understand both Olivia’s and Lily’s perspectives, making the themes of identity and resilience more personal and impactful.
- How did the beekeeping metaphors tie into the story? Answer: The bees symbolized resilience and community. Olivia’s care for them mirrored her efforts to rebuild her life and nurture those she loves.
- Did you find the courtroom scenes realistic and engaging? Answer: Yes, the courtroom drama added tension and showcased how personal biases and hidden truths influence justice.
- What did you think about Olivia as a mother? Was she a sympathetic character? Answer: Olivia was complex but sympathetic. Her past shaped her decisions, and her protective instincts, while flawed, felt deeply human.
- How did Lily’s secret impact your understanding of her character and her relationship with Asher? Answer: Lily’s secret added layers to her character, highlighting the courage it took to live authentically and the challenges she faced in her relationship.
- Do you think the novel handled the topic of being transgender well? Answer: Yes, the portrayal was sensitive and insightful, thanks in part to Jennifer Finney Boylan’s perspective as a transgender woman.
- How did you feel about Asher’s character? Was he believable as a teenager? Answer: Asher felt realistic, with his mix of love, anger, and confusion. His struggles with identity and loyalty were relatable.
- Did the story surprise you at any point? Answer: The reveal of Lily’s secret was unexpected and shifted the story’s focus, adding depth and urgency.
- How did Olivia’s past relationship shape her parenting style? Answer: Olivia’s abusive marriage made her fiercely protective and sometimes overly cautious, influencing how she raised Asher.
- What role did forgiveness play in the story? Answer: Forgiveness was central, especially as Olivia reconciled her own mistakes and learned to see Asher and Lily in a new light.
- What did you think about the portrayal of small-town dynamics in the book? Answer: The small-town setting highlighted gossip and judgment, making it a pressure cooker for the characters’ secrets and struggles.
- How did the book’s exploration of identity resonate with you? Answer: It was powerful and relatable, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself despite societal pressures.
- What are your thoughts on the title, Mad Honey? Answer: The title is fitting, as it references toxic honey, symbolizing how sweetness can hide danger, much like secrets and relationships in the story.
- How did the authors balance the mystery and emotional aspects of the story? Answer: The balance was well-executed, with the mystery driving the plot and the emotional depth keeping readers invested in the characters.
- What did you think of the ending? Was justice served? Answer: The ending was bittersweet. While the truth came out, the pain and loss felt unavoidable, making it realistic but heartbreaking.
- Which character did you empathize with the most? Why? Answer: Lily’s struggles and bravery were deeply moving, making her the most empathetic character for many readers.
- How did Olivia’s relationship with her own mother influence her actions? Answer: Olivia’s strained relationship with her mother pushed her to be a better parent but also left her with lingering doubts and insecurities.
- What role did secrets play in the story? Answer: Secrets were central, shaping relationships and driving the plot. They highlighted how hiding the truth can protect but also harm.
- Did the book change your perspective on any social issues? Answer: It shed light on transgender issues and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering greater empathy and understanding.
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? Answer: Absolutely, because it’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking story that tackles important issues with sensitivity and heart.
These questions and answers can help spark a lively and meaningful discussion during your book club meeting!
Mad Honey: Discussion Topics
Mad Honey has a plethora of really thought-provoking themes, as well as complicated narrative arcs, and will certainly be great value for any kind of in-depth book club discussion.
A central theme of this story is the ways that secrets about them can affect a person’s relationships and personal growth: Olivia’s secret of an abusive past, Lily keeping her gender identity private, other hidden truths shape the characters, and the plot will take place accordingly. These secrets raise questions as to whether keeping the truth from loved ones can ever be done in their best interests or if it does more harm. Looking at how the revelation of these secrets influences the characters’ journeys opens up valuable discussions about honesty and vulnerability.
Identity and authenticity lie at the core of the novel, which is explored through themes of gender, parenthood, and personal transformation. Lily’s story as a transgender teenager confronts the reality of living an authentic life out in the open amidst a world that can often be cruel and unforgiving. Her storyline merges with Olivia’s work of rebuilding herself as a mother and survivor, and Asher’s growing self-discovery about himself and the relationships in his life. Contemplating how characters work through their struggles can initiate discussions on navigating challenges and triumphs of true self-acceptance.
Love and forgiveness stand strong throughout the story. Olivia fiercely loves her son, Asher, though such love has been branded with her traumas, to which many of her decisions remain informed and possibly too over-protective. The tender but complicated no secret relationship of Lily and Asher is begging for questions of trust and acceptance. Forgiveness seems to be a continuing motif as each grapples to release themselves from anger and pain. It is in the discussion of these elements that the richness of human relationships can be understood.
The bees and nature play out a powerful metaphor in the novel: one of survival and tenacity. Olivia’s work keeping bees serves as one metaphor for reconstructing a life and protecting the ones she loves. Another metaphor is “mad honey,” a sweet delight that is poisonous, representing hidden dangers in the relationships the novel explores. These metaphors add an added layer to the story and can provide a lens through which one could interpret the struggles and growth of the characters.
Added to that is the tension of the courtroom drama, with questions of justice and prejudice. It was a trial that demonstrated how personal histories and societal prejudices inform perceptions and results. Lily’s identity plays a huge role in how the case was presented and judged in both the courtroom and the court of public opinion. Contemplation of such scenes calls for a deeper conversation about fairness, truth, and the complexities of navigating a justice system shaped by human fallibility.
Working out these themes and narratives, the members are able to delve deep into the emotional moral questions that Mad Honey yields, driving a thought-provoking and engaging discussion.
How to make Your Mad Honey Book Club more Interactive?
Making your Mad Honey book club more interactive can elevate the discussion and make it memorable for everyone. Here are 10 ideas to engage your group and add a touch of creativity:
Host a Themed Honey Tasting
Set up a honey tasting inspired by Olivia’s beekeeping. Provide a variety of honey types (e.g., wildflower, clover, or orange blossom) and discuss how the flavors and origins of honey relate to the book’s themes of identity and complexity.
Explore Bee Symbolism Through Art
Encourage members to create or share bee-inspired artwork, poetry, or photography. Discuss how bees symbolize resilience and interconnectedness in the novel and how this resonates in their own creations.
Legal Debate: Defend or Prosecute
Recreate a mini courtroom drama where participants act as lawyers, jurors, or witnesses. Debate whether Asher’s actions were justified, and explore the biases and evidence that shaped the trial.
Discuss Identity with Personal Storytelling
Prompt members to share a story from their own lives that relates to the themes of identity, love, or forgiveness. This personal touch can deepen connections within the group and make the discussion more meaningful.
Focus on Gender Identity and Advocacy
Dedicate part of the meeting to discussing transgender issues highlighted in the book. Invite an expert or watch a short video to educate members, fostering understanding and empathy for Lily’s experiences.
Visualize Key Themes with Mood Boards
Provide magazines, printouts, or digital tools for members to create mood boards that represent the themes of Mad Honey. This creative exercise can help visualize the emotions and ideas explored in the book.
By incorporating these interactive ideas, you can transform your Mad Honey book club into a dynamic and engaging experience that sparks deeper connections and thoughtful conversations.