Please note that the questions below may give away certain elements of the plot, so if you don’t want spoilers, it’s best to read the book before looking at them. Enjoy—and thank you for reading!

Part modern day thriller, part century-spanning historical fiction, The Book of Judges leads the reader back and forth in time throughout the course of the novel. How does this framework help to set the stage for the overall message of the book? Do you feel that it added depth to the narrative? Why or why not?

The historical vignettes, from Mongol ruled China to Byzantium and Henry the VIII’s England, explored the themes of penitence, justice and redemption throughout history. Judges in all these periods were required to deliver verdicts based on their interpretations of the law. Did your understanding of these concepts grow over the course of the novel. Did you agree with their reasoning and ultimate verdicts?

Josh, Sammi, and Mark are all strong and self-assured characters in their own right. Together they become an indominable force that pieces together the mystery that is at the crux of the novel. What characteristics of each person served the group as a whole? Do you feel they would have been as successful in their endeavors if they had remained separate? How does this affiliation make each individual more adept at problem solving?

The reader is taken on a ride throughout South Florida, from Miami to the west coast and back as Josh, Sammi, and Mark attempt to outrun their pursuers while decoding the puzzle on the laptop. How did the topography of Florida enhance the setting of the story? Do you feel that the ambiance of a book contributes to its overall likeability? If so, in what ways?

Light is shed on the history of human rights throughout each of the historical vignettes. By way of deep spiritual practice, The Words came to each judge and assisted them in defining their thoughts and ultimate verdicts and actions. Do these moments of clarification resonate with certain times in your own life when you have sought guidance or assistance with a challenge?

How did the fast-paced storyline and heart-stopping moments add another layer of imperative to the novel? Throughout the historical scenes as well as the modern day chase the reader felt the characters’ anxiety flow through the pages. All were racing against time, on a quest for resolution. Did you feel and enjoy the need for speed as you read?

In what ways did the budding romance between Josh and Sammi add dimension to the overall storyline? How did their different personality types compliment one another? How did they compete? Do you feel that their involvement in the mystery helped solidify their relationship?

Motivation was a key force that propelled the story forward in time. Many of the modern-day characters felt compelled to see the adventure through to the bitter end. Were Josh, Sammi, and Mark motivated by the same reasons? What about Han Chee-hwa?

Each of the judges in the book’s stories faced human rights questions over periods of time 250 years apart. How did the judgments from the earlier judges reflect in the outcomes later on in time? Do you feel that there has been an evolution over time to the present day? In what ways have we progressed? Have we regressed in any or remained stagnant? Can you imagine what challenges the judge 250 years from now will face?

In the Incidentals section at the end of the book, the author states the following, “…the essence of this book lies not in what we know to be true. It asks, ‘How?’ How do our major ‘truths’—those moments of staggering significance—come into our lives?”

Did reading this book help you answer this question? In what ways are you able to look at your life differently now having ventured into the past via The Book of Judges?