Book Club Resources

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Planning to read The Horseman’s Tale with your book club or discussion group? You’re in the right place.

Below are free resources to help guide your conversation, deepen your understanding of the story, and hear directly from the author, Tom Equels. You’re welcome to explore the questions on this page or download a printable guide to share with your group.

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Discussion Questions

1. The book opens with Jake confronting both physical and emotional scars from the Vietnam War. How does the trauma of war shape his choices throughout the novel?
   
2. Horses play a symbolic and literal role in Jake’s healing. What do they represent to him?
   
3. Jake struggles with the legacy of his father and the burdens of Southern family history. How does this relationship shape his sense of self?
   
4. Racism, classism, and generational prejudice are woven into the setting. Which dynamics still echo today?
   
5. The story moves from Ocala to Vietnam to Ireland. How do these shifts reflect Jake’s internal journey?
   
6. Forgiveness is a key theme — of others and self. Do you think Jake finds peace by the end?
   
7. Many characters live with secrets or regret. Who did you connect with most — and why?
   
8. How would you describe Tom Equels’ writing style? Did any scenes or lines stand out?
   
9. The book blends personal and historical experience. Did it shift your view of PTSD or Vietnam?
   
10. Some have compared The Horseman’s Tale to The Odyssey. Do you agree? What is Jake’s “Ithaca”?
    

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Downloadable Book Club Guide

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Tom’s inspiration, writing process, and personal connection to the story.

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Invite the Author to Join Your Club