The Family Book Club Blueprint: How We’re Reading Great Expectations Together

A Simple, Joyful Way to Bring Classics Into Your Home

Growing up in India, reading wasn’t just a hobby—it was a doorway to entire worlds. Dickens taught me about character, struggle, compassion, and the human heart. Now, as a parent and educator, I’m revisiting those classics with my own family.

This year, we’re reading Great Expectations as our Family Book Club pick—and it has already sparked so many beautiful conversations.

Here’s how you can create your own simple, meaningful book club at home.

1. Why Great Expectations Works for Families

Dickens understood people—and children pick up on that.

Themes include:

• Kindness and character

• Ambition and choices

• Identity

• Hope

• Growth

  
  

Even kids who don’t fully grasp every chapter can connect with Pip, Joe, Miss Havisham, and Estella.

And because the book is episodic, it’s perfect for short family reading sessions.

2. The 4-Part Weekly Structure (Simple & Flexible)

This is the structure we follow—feel free to adapt it.

Week Format:

1. Read

Just 2–3 chapters a week.

Use audiobooks, read-alouds, or independent reading—whatever works.

2. Reflect

Ask 1–2 questions like:

• Why do you think Pip acted that way?

• What would you have done?

• Who surprised you the most?

3. Discuss

Keep it light!

This is a conversation, not a comprehension test.

4. Create

   Fun activities:

   • Coloring pages (Pip on the marshes!)

   • Journaling prompts

   • Drawing scenes

   • Creating masks or character cutouts

3. Tools That Make It Fun (and Easy)

A few simple things go a long way:

• Bookmark for each family member

• A small “reading corner”

• A family journal

• Coloring sheets

• Printable puzzles (crosswords, word searches)

(Your Great Expectations Handbook will include all of this.)

4. 10 Conversation Starters for Busy Families

1. Which character do you trust the most?

2. Who changed the most this week?

3. What surprised you?

4. If you were Pip, what would you do differently?

5. Which quote stuck with you?

6. Do you think Pip is kind?

7. How would you describe Joe?

8. Is Estella misunderstood or unkind?

9. What lesson do you think Dickens wants us to learn?

10. What would you tell Pip if you were his friend?

5. Want to Start Your Own Family Book Club?

Your starter kit includes: 

✔ Reading schedule 

✔ Coloring pages 

✔ Puzzles 

✔ Discussion cards 

✔ Journaling prompts

Download the starter kit (coming soon!)

Reading together brings families closer. It builds memories your kids will talk about for years.

Start with one book, one week, one conversation.