1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How much did you know about 18th-century Maine before reading The Frozen River? Do you think a person can appreciate the novel without understanding this historical context?
• What were your overall impressions of The Frozen River? Discuss what you liked most and least about the book.
• Ariel Lawhon is known for writing books that center on female protagonists. Compare the protagonist in The Frozen River with a protagonist from another of Lawhon’s works.

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• One of the novel’s themes concerns familial loyalty. How does this concept relate to your personal views or experiences? Is familial loyalty absolute, or do some circumstances warrant betrayal?
• Explore connections between your life and the experiences of the characters. Which character resonated most with you and why?
• Place is an important element in this novel. Reflect on the significance of place in your life.

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Analyze how The Frozen River reflects or comments on current societal views surrounding rape, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion.