Sylvain Neuvel’s Sleeping Giants (2016) touches on many of the thematic cornerstones of science fiction, including posing questions like “what does it mean for humanity if we’re not alone in the universe”, and “what price are we willing to pay for answers, or for safety” in a way that’s engaging and challenging, all without losing the sweeping pace of the narrative. However, its nontraditional format may alienate (so to speak) some readers.
If you’re a fan of those traditional science fiction through-notes you will find them here, explored in a thoughtful and engaging way that is worthy of consideration and sure to spark conversation.
Whether your book club is preparing to discuss it, or you’ve read it on your own and are looking for more, I hope the questions below will help guide you.
Note: If you haven’t read Sleeping Giants, you can read my review of it here. For a different take, you can read Byron’s review here.
Please let me know if you use these questions, find them helpful, or think I missed something. And of course I would love to see your answers to any (or all) of these questions in the comments. Happy discussing!
Of course, MAJOR SPOILER WARNINGS below:
