Get James book club questions (without spoilers!) to better discuss Percival Everett’s bestselling and award-winning retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. This historical fiction book feels fresh and nuanced, and it’s filled to the brim with themes of slavery and freedom to discuss.
You’ll also get book club ideas and printable questions to easily make your meeting fun and topical. Let’s get literary!
Quick Summary of James by Percival Everett With Themes
- #1 New York Times bestseller
- National Book Award Winner
- Kirkus Prize Winner
- National Book Critics Circle Award finalist
- Shortlisted for the Booker Prize
James by Percival Everett retells the classic 1885 Mark Twain book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It differs in that it is told from the perspective of Jim (James), offering readers a fresh look at his intelligence and humanity.
When Jim learns he is about to be sold and separated from his family, he escapes and crosses paths with Huck Finn, who has faked his death to flee his abusive father. Together, they journey down the Mississippi River, facing dangers, deception, and fleeting glimpses of freedom.
Jim, now “James” and his family reach the north safely in Iowa. While they face ongoing racism and suspicion in Iowa, their new home offers them freedom, technically. This marks one step forward despite the challenges they continue to encounter.
James has been a popular literary fiction read that’s earned rave book reviews and prestigious awards. It’s a great book club pick because it offers so many historical themes to discuss, including, of course, slavery and the Reconstruction Era, as well as perspective in storytelling. Readers can compare and contrast this book to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It’s also short and easy to read despite its difficult content, and it works exceptionally well on audio, as James’s/Jim’s voice feels so authentic.
Readers need not read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before James, but it helps give the book context. I recommend you at least check out a summary of Huck Finn first.
Watch Percival Everett discuss this novel with the publisher on Youtube:
James Book Club Questions (Without Spoilers)
Have you read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
How does James differ from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
How does perspective influence the story?
Discuss the Mississippi River as a backdrop for Huck’s and Jim’s/James’s adventure.
Discuss water as a symbol in the novel.
What is the significance of the age difference between Huck and Jim/James?
Discuss this story as a satire, both in Twain’s and Everett’s writing.
Why did the author/Jim choose the name “James”?
In what format did you read James, and how did it impact your experience?
Compare and contrast Huck and Jim/James.
How do Huck and Jim/James view family?
What do Huck and Jim/James see in each other?
Discuss why Huck and Jim/James each seek escape.
Discuss the dangers Huck and Jim/James faced.
Discuss the theme of race and slavery.
What role does gender play in the novel?
What role does religion play in the novel?
What does the story say about literacy and education?
Discuss Jim’s/James’s dialogue and “code-switching.”
Discuss this quote: “Belief has nothing to do with truth.”
What does freedom mean to Huck and to Jim/James?
Did James help you see the titular character in a different light?
What’s next for Jim/James?
How does James compare to other historical fiction of the era that you’ve read?
Do you recommend any other classic retellings?
Printable PDF Reading Guide of the Discussion Questions
FREE PRINTABLE BOOK CLUB GUIDE
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Book Club Ideas
- Eat: fish and cornbread like the characters.
- Drink: Southern sweet tea.
- Do: Take a riverboat cruise like those on the Mississippi River and “tell your story” like Jim/James by journaling.
Book Club Books to Read Next
If you loved these James book club questions, discuss these at your next meeting:
- Quotes From Beloved (historical fiction about slavery)
- The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store Book Club Questions (historical fiction; themes of race and friendship with a child)
- Demon Copperhead Book Club Questions (a classic retelling)
- The Vanishing Half Book Club Questions (themes of race and escape)
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
