Wool (Silo Series: Book 1) Book Club Questions

Welcome to the Buddy Book Club – we have a light-hearted comedic podcast that covers a variety of books. Wool by Hugh Howey is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a massive underground silo where humanity has been forced to live after an apocalyptic event. The story follows several characters as they uncover the truth about their world and the lies they’ve been told. If you enjoy cleaning as a death sentence, suspicious water canteens, and characters with disposable thumbs, then this book might be for you. For a deeper dive into the book and key topics like: the merits of elevator unions and the importance of plumbing in post-apocalyptic societies, check out our podcast episode.

Our book club questions try to be a little more outside the box/comedic than your typical book club questions – hopefully you enjoy them.

Book Club Questions – Wool by Hugh Howey

-> Is “cleaning” the worst possible punishment, or just really effective housekeeping?

Discuss the merits of using fatal chores as a deterrent for crime. Bonus points if you can come up with your own deadly household task.

-> Is Bernard objectively the worst name for a villain?

Debate the merits of various antagonist names, considering factors like intimidation factor and potential for nicknames. Anyone else think “Bernie” sounds more cuddly than criminal?

-> What would be your go-to method for communicating between silos?

Is Morse code through toilet flushes truly the perfect solution, or can you come up with something even better?

-> If you had to choose a color-coded job in the silo, what would you pick?

Discuss the pros and cons of being in IT versus other potential silo careers.

-> Why hasn’t anyone thought of elevators in this society? 

Seems like that would be day 1 stuff, I’m not trying to walk all of these stairs.

-> Is Walker the unsung hero of this story?

Discuss the merits of being a reclusive tech genius who never leaves his room and possibly smells terrible.

-> What would be your strategy for maintaining a centuries-long conspiracy?

Would you go the “kill anyone who asks questions” route, or risk it all for transparency?

-> Where does this rank in terms of dystopian books for you?

 We liked “The Giver” or “1984”, both books we’ve mentioned on the podcast, as alternatives in this genre.

-> If you had to design a virtual reality helmet for silo residents, what would you show them?

Discuss the merits of various fake outdoor scenarios. Bonus points if you can come up with a VR world more depressing than the actual silo.

-> If you could implement one historical war tactic in the silo rebellion, what would it be?

Is the Anaconda Plan truly the perfect strategy, or can you come up with something even better? Points for creativity and minimal stair-climbing.

-> What would be your go-to method for spreading rebellion propaganda throughout the silo?

Is toilet graffiti the most effective communication method, or can you think of a better way to avoid IT’s watchful eye?

-> If you had to be trapped in a silo with one movie character, who would you choose?

Discuss the merits of various fictional companions for your underground dystopia. Is James Bond’s Q the ultimate silo survival buddy?

-> Is Holston the most effective red shirt character in literature?

Discuss the merits of killing off the apparent protagonist in the first act. Bonus points if you can name a more shocking early character death.

-> What would be your strategy for making friends in a silo where asking questions gets you killed?

Would you go the “strong silent type” route, or risk it all for some juicy gossip?

-> If you had to rename “Wool” to make it more appealing, what would you call it?

We think “Silo” is better, but can you come up with an even more intriguing title that doesn’t sound like a 1940s knitting manual?