Free Book Talk Discussion Guide
The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol is one of the best Halloween stories ever written. Although the plot is similar to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, you will discover many differences between the two books. Some of those differences include:
- different setting time
- different setting place
- different characters
- different holiday
- similar but different themes
- different writing style
Your book group or class will have a wonderful discussion about this classic Halloween novel. Enjoy the following free discussion guide and feel free to add your own questions.
- Do you think The Legend of Decimus Croome is as valuable to Halloween as A Christmas Carol is to Christmas?
- What are some of your favorite quotes from A Halloween Carol? (See a list of quotes on the PurdyBooks Pinterest board.)
- Who do you think is more despicable: Ebenezer Scrooge or Decimus Croome?
- Although The Legend of Decimus Croome is considered a Halloween book, it is also a tribute to the beauties of autumn. What are your favorite examples of fall imagery from the book?
- The author of A Halloween Carol used certain literary devices such as similes, metaphors & alliteration to set the tone/mood of the story. What are some your favorite literary devices from the book, and what type of tone did they set?
- Obviously Decimus Croome is the Ebenezer Scrooge of this story. Which other characters correspond to similar characters from A Christmas Carol?
- Do you think this book would make a good Halloween movie? What actors/actresses would you cast in the roles of Decimus Croome, Tommy Bobbich, Sam Bobbich, Patricia Croome, the three spirits of Halloween.
- Book critics and reviewers have compared the author’s writing style to Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe and even Dr. Seuss. Are there any other authors you’d compare Kevin Purdy to or books you’d compare The Legend of Decimus Croome to?
- This book has elements of humor, romance, horror and fairy tales. Can you name some examples of each from the book.
- Do the Halloweens of past present or future remind you of any of your own Halloween experiences?
- How did Decimus Croome change from the beginning of the book to the end?
- What are some morals that A Halloween Carol teaches?
- Which of the four Halloween spirits was your favorite? Why?
- Which of the book quotes on this page best captures the spirit of The Legend of Decimus Croome?
- What lesson(s) do you think Decimus Croome learned? Do you know anyone who could benefit from these lessons?
- What was your favorite part in The Legend of Decimus Croome?
- The author hid three Christmas Carol/Dickens references in this book. Did you find any of them?
