READERS GUIDE
Reader’s GuideThe Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson
Discussion Questions:
1. In the novel, magic is limited and heavily entwined with the natural world. In what ways do we see this manifest with Evie’s powers as a land witch? What parallels can we draw to our own world and its natural resources?
2. If you could have a garden with magical plants, what would you want to grow?
3. Evie and Ignatius clash over the care of Thornwood house. How do their assumptions shape their perceptions of each other, and how do
those perceptions change throughout the novel?
4. Ruby has the power of farseeing, but she can only see into someone’s future so many times before that power is exhausted forever. In what ways does that magic affect her character and the decisions she makes? If you had the power to see just one glimpse of your own future, would you look? What would you most want to know?
5. Amelia Howell passes away before the story begins, but her presence is still felt. How does the old witch continue to shape and influence the characters and events of the novel? Do you think this is a good thing? Why or why not?
6. In order to heal and move forward, Thornwood house has to reimagine itself and what it’s going to be. What other characters in the story are reimagining themselves, and how does that affect their growth?
7. If you could reimagine the rooms in your house with magic, what would they look like? What would you add or change and why?
8. Why do you think Evie is chosen to become the caretaker for Thornwood house? What qualities does she possess that allow her to understand it and its needs?
9. Evie and Gil resist the pull of their attraction for different reasons, yet they are still drawn to each other. What is it about their characters as individuals that makes them a good match?
10. Would you want to live in a sentient house? Why or why not?
11. If you were a witch, what kind of magic would you want to have?
12. Evie’s desire to adopt Ruby is one of the driving forces of the story. How does their relationship evolve throughout the novel? How do their characters change each other?
