Black Beauty book club questions

The reading plan

Meeting 1: Parts 1 to 17

1. How fair is Merrylegs's way of setting limits for the boys?
2. How should Ginger's harsh training change the way people judge her distrust?
3. What does John's patience with restless energy suggest about the difference between teaching manners and controlling another creature?
4. How might seeing a hunt end in suffering shape a young horse's view of people?
5. What does James leading the horses through the fire suggest about courage and trust?

Meeting 2: Parts 18 to 34

6. What does Joe's decision to report abuse suggest about the responsibilities of someone who witnesses cruelty?
7. What should an employer look for beyond an impressive manner when judging whether a horse receives good care?
8. What hopes or worries does Beauty's welcome in London raise for you?
9. How does Captain's account challenge the appeal of military display?

Meeting 3: Parts 35 to 49

10. When is protecting a day of rest worth losing a customer's business?
11. Does Jerry's journey to help a sick woman's daughter weaken or strengthen his case for protecting Sunday rest?
12. How should Sam's struggle affect our judgment of his treatment of an exhausted horse?
13. What do the two poor traders suggest about the relationship between money and kind treatment?
14. What does Jerry's free hospital journey suggest about kindness when helping someone may mean earning less?

Themes to talk about

Tips for the host

1. Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
2. Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.