Book Club Resources
Enhance your book club experience with thoughtful discussion questions and expert tips on starting and running a successful club.
BOOK CLUB ENGAGEMENTS
As a debut novelist, Rajinderpal S. Pal has had the privilege of engaging with numerous book clubs who’ve chosen However Far Away for their discussions. He deeply values these opportunities to connect directly with readers, offering insights into his writing process and the cultural nuances woven into his story. These sessions, provide a unique and enriching experience for both the author and the book club members.
Rajinderpal would be happy to join your book club discussion for However Far Away, either by Zoom, Google Meets, or in-person, if schedules and geography allow. Since releasing the novel in August 2024, he has joined several meetings, book clubs that are privately run and others run by organisations, community groups or bookstores. Please give him lots of notice if you are interested in having him attend your meeting.
“It is heartwarming to connect with a group of book lovers who have read However Far Away with care and attention. The questions posed in these sessions are always eye-opening, giving me a sense of how my novel is impacting readers, their thoughts on the structure and character motives, as well as what they discovered about the Sikh culture.”
– Rajinderpal S. Pal
Elevate Your Book Club Experience with Author Engagement!
Make your book club experience even more engaging by inviting Rajinderpal S. Pal to join your discussion!
Whether it’s a virtual Q&A, a live book talk, or a special event for your group, this is a unique opportunity to connect with the author, gain deeper insights, and bring your conversations to life. Contact us to learn more about booking Rajinderpal S. Pal.
However Far Away Questions for Book Clubs
However Far Away
- All three protagonists in Pal’s novel have experienced difficult and traumatic events in their childhoods. How have these past events shaped the characters of Devinder, Kuldip and Emily, and informed their decisions on how they will get through Ranjit and Rina’s wedding day?
- What role does the setting of Vancouver play in the novel? What relationship does each protagonist have with the setting?
- Duty is a central theme in However Far Away. How does sense of duty play out in the lives of Devinder, Kuldip and Emily?
- As the narrative proceeds certain secrets are revealed, some that the characters have been carrying for decades. How do secrets in However Far Away build tension between tradition and adaptation, and between duty and desire?
- Music features heavily in the novel. How does music connect the characters?
- Pal has made the interesting choice to weave the backstories of the three protagonists between the events of the wedding day and does not offer any chapter headings or markers to position the reader in time or place. How do these structural choices impact the reader and reflect the themes of However Far Away?
- Teena, Iqbal and Uncle Monty have a significant impact on the events of the wedding day. Why did Devinder fail to recognise and plan for their actions?
- The ending of However Far Away seems to come quickly and offers no clear resolution on what the consequences of the wedding day will be for Devinder, Kuldip or Emily, and the relationships between them? How does this align, or not align, with the rest of the book?
Bonus question: Who would fill the roles of Devinder, Kuldip, and Emily if However Far Away was to be turned into a movie or limited series?
Your Next Chapter: Start a Book Club
A book club is a great way to connect with others, discover new books, and spark meaningful discussions. Whether you’re looking to deepen your love of reading or simply share the experience with others, starting a book club is easier than you think.
Gather Your Group
Start with 4–6 people for lively discussions. Invite friends, coworkers, or connect with fellow readers online or at your local library.
Pick Your Format
Meet in person, on video calls, or through online forums. Choose a schedule that gives everyone time to read—monthly works well.
Spark Great Conversations
Share discussion questions in advance. Even those who haven’t finished the book can join by exploring key themes.
Set the Scene
Meet in a cozy café, library, or virtual space. A comfortable, welcoming setting encourages open and thoughtful discussions.
Go deeper on how to launch a book club that sparks great conversations.
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Portrait shot by Hill Peppard