Book Club Discussion Questions for Thanksgiving at the Inn

1. Heath’s grandfather reflected on his legacy (what he would leave others after his death) late in life and made specific changes to his will to make his son, Junior, rethink his own legacy. How do you think things would have turned out for young Heath if he and Junior had just inherited all the money, house, and property, with no strings attached?

2. The Sleeping Inn became a home for wayward souls, yet young Heath has never had a place to call home. What is the difference between living in a house and having a place you call home?

3. Senior believed that “common sense is the most uncommon thing.” How does each of us develop our own common sense, and why does it differ from person to person?

4. At Senior’s funeral, Winsted reflects on what an amazing artist he was, although Senior wasn’t a typical artist, like a painter or sculptor. Do you have a favorite teacher, coach, or family member who always tries to bring out the best in others?

5. In the book, Winsted reveals he went to prison for fighting with another man. This is a side of him that Heath finds hard to swallow because of the kind and peaceful nature Winsted has developed. Do you think people in real life are capable of such change?

6. The idea of a secret garden is discussed as a place where people hide their deepest, darkest secrets. Do you think we all have a secret garden?

7. Heath and his father struggle to communicate, resulting in a lot of frustration and pent-up animosity. Do you think this type of conflict is the result of having nothing in common, or is it having too much in common?

8. The Inn-habitants allow Mrs. Farrel to “give away her fortune,” and even support her in her passion. Why do you think they allow her to live out this little white lie?

9. Heath meets an autistic girl, Tori, after he rescues her from the train tracks. Have you ever spent time with anyone with autism?

10. Mustang Sally teaches Heath about the three types of people in this world. If you asked your best friend to characterize you as one of the three, what type of person would they say you are? What type of person would you say they are?

11. Carter is a Harvard graduate, yet fears responsibility. Why do you think some people like responsibility and others hide from it?

12. Why do you suppose Junior rebelled against his father and did everything he could to distance himself?

13. Junior’s pride gets the best of him with the apology letter from his father, and it takes him weeks to open the green envelope. Have you ever delayed doing something out of stubborn pride and then regretted it?

14. Heath takes on many of the daily chores around the Inn, including cleaning out the animal pens, which proves unpleasant. Still, he learns to enjoy and eventually looks forward to this daily task. Why does his perspective change?

15. While eavesdropping on Mrs. Farrel, Heath overhears a portion of their “plot” to whack the turkeys for Thanksgiving, and assumes the worst. Have you ever overheard a portion of a conversation and assumed the worst?

16. When Heath sneaks into his father’s room and reads his grandfather’s apology letter, he realizes that, no matter what your circumstances are, you should be thankful for what you have. What are you most thankful for in your life?

17. When Junior gets into his accident and is trapped inside his car, he experiences a life-changing event. What does he realize and how does it impact his relationship with Heath? Do people often have such major life changes in such a short time and, if so, why?

18. Toward the end of the book, Heath digs up his secret garden and talks with his father about his alleged cheating and his reading problems. Have you ever been in trouble for doing something you didn’t do? How did you feel?

19. There are a lot of interesting characters in Thanksgiving at the Inn. Which one do you feel closest to?

20. There are many life lessons sprinkled throughout this book. Which lesson did you feel you connected with most?

21. In one sentence, describe the main theme of the novel.

22. When you finished the last chapter of the novel, how did you feel?

23. The novel ends on Thanksgiving, with Junior promising to try harder and Heath filled with hope for a better life. Think about how the book ends and write a paragraph describing what you think will happen next.