Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling

Please find the discussion questions for our June 2024 pick, Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling below! I’d love to hear what you thought of the book.

• You can the ongoing book club discussions in the Facebook group here.
• You can order your copy of the book here.

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 1 

What were your expectations of the book going in, based on the cover and the blurb? How did they match up with how you felt while reading and once you’d finished the book?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 2 

Early on we’re introduced to a full cast of characters—why do you think the author wrote chapters from alternating points of view?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 3

Which character or characters were your favourite? Were there any you didn’t like?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 4

Camp Zero is set in the near future—what is different about the world in the novel versus real life?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 5

The majority of the story takes place in northern Canada, with references to the New England area. While reading, did you find yourself imagining what life in the world of the novel might look like in southern areas of the world? What do you think the rest of the world looks like in this version of 2049?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 6

Almost every character uses a pseudonym or is renamed during the story. What is the significance behind these new names? Were the reasons for these names the same for both the male and female characters?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 7

Power dynamics play a huge role throughout Camp Zero. The men appear to be in charge of the camp, it seems the researchers at White Alice are beholden to the government, and the Blooms answer firstly to Judith. Who ultimately has the power?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 8

If you had a choice between the Floating City, White Alice, or Camp Zero – where would you live?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 9

What thoughts have you taken away from the story? What do you think the author wanted you to take away from it?

CAMP ZERO: QUESTION 10

Like all of our 2024 picks, this is Michelle Min Sterling’s debut novel! What did you think of this as a first book? Would you be tempted to pick up future titles from this author?