Blood Brothers is a popular choice for reading groups that are interested in reading:

• Literary mysteries
• Thrillers
• Books set in the art world

Reading Group Guide:

1. With which character do you identify the most? Why?

2. What is you favorite scene in the book?

3. Are you familiar with the stream of consciousness technique in writing? Why do you think the author employed this technique for the main character?  Do you think it an effective technique in Blood Brothers?

4. Why do you think the author chose to describe the sex scenes, particularly the pedophile scenes, graphically?  Does this add or detract from the plot? Do you think Philip Hampton resolved the abuse he experienced from Adrian?

5. There are four major dream sequences in the novel.  Do you think they are necessary to drive the story forward? Why or why not?

6. Do you feel emotionally connected to any of the characters?  If so, which ones and why?  How did the author help you to connect emotionally?  If not, what do you think caused the emotional disconnect?

7. Art is a constant thread in this novel.  What do you think it represents?  Why do you think the author focused so much on detailed descriptions of the various works of art? 

8. This book proffers strong opinions about the Catholic Church and religion in general.  What do you think about these opinions?  Were they necessary to the storyline?

9. The influence of oil on our societies, bigotry in the South, and sexuality were three areas of focus in the book.  Choose the one that elicited the most visceral response from you and explain to your group why.

10. If Adrian, or someone like Adrian, had perpetrated the same or similar heinous acts on you or your loved ones, would you kill him if you had the chance?  Is it acceptable to kill someone under these circumstances? Why or Why not.

11. What was your perception of pit bulls before reading Blood Brothers?  Has it changed any?

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