The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Murray struggles to accept changes in language and social norms between generations. What experiences have you had with the challenge of bridging generational gaps in your own life?

2. The motto "SBK" (Strong, Brave, Kind) becomes a powerful mantra throughout the story. What three words would you choose as your own life motto, and why?

3. Murray regrets not expressing his love for his sons more openly. How has your family's style of showing affection influenced your own emotional expression?

4. Like Murray, many people have objects that connect them to the past. What item holds special sentimental meaning in your life? What ideas, values, or memories does it symbolize for you?

5. The characters struggle to understand why suffering exists. How do you make sense of the unfairness in life, particularly when it affects children?

Examine the book's relevance to broader societal issues, cultural trends, and ethical dilemmas.

1. How does the novel's portrayal of father-son relationships reflect the changing expectations of fatherhood across different generations?

2. The story takes place in 1997, when email was a relatively new form of technology. How might this story change if it were set in today's digital age?

3. How does the author use the novel’s male characters to challenge or reinforce traditional ideas about masculinity and emotional expression?

Dive into the book's structure, characters, themes, and use of narrative techniques.

1. How does the author use baseball as both a literal activity and a metaphor throughout the novel?

2. Examine the parallel between Murray's initial wish to die and his later attempt to sacrifice himself for Jason. What does this shift reveal about his character development?

3. How does Tiegan serve as both a foil to Jason and a catalyst for other characters' growth?

4. Consider the symbolic significance of "lists" throughout the novel. How do both Jason's and Tiegan's lists drive the narrative?

5. What role does Father James play in balancing the story's religious and philosophical questions about death and suffering?

6. How does author use the contrast between Benedict and Murray to explore different approaches to love and sacrifice?