Demon Copperhead

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Demon Copperhead touches on many dark and potentially distressing topics, including addiction, abuse, and sex trafficking. Did you find the ugliness of Demon’s world overwhelming? Or were there moments of hope that offset the darkness?
• Demon Copperhead critiques many aspects of American society. Which critiques did you find most effective, and why? Has the novel changed how you think about any contemporary societal issues?
• Was this your first experience reading a reworking of classic literature (in this case, Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield)? If not, how does Demon Copperhead compare to other adaptations you’ve encountered? If so, based on your experience with Demon Copperhead, would you consider reading other adaptations of classic literature? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage connection between the book’s themes or characters and personal experiences.

• Which aspects of Demon’s struggles resonated most with you? Does relating to Demon’s story require personal experience of poverty, addiction, etc., or are the novel’s ideas about adversity and resilience more broadly relevant?
• Demon’s relationships are a key part of the novel, whether familial (e.g., Demon’s mother and Betsy), platonic (e.g., Fast Forward and Maggot), or romantic (e.