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Discussion Guide

All Systems Red

These book club questions were created by the book club Tea and Books. 

Book club questions for All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

What does Murderbot’s reluctance to interact with humans say about its perception of identity?
How does Murderbot's consumption of media (soap operas, serials) shape or reflect its inner world? Can we compare this to how we use media for self-understanding?
Would you consider Murderbot a "person"? Where do you personally draw the line for personhood?
What does the series suggest about free will, especially when it comes to AI and autonomy? How do the constructs of ownership and programming factor into this?
How does the corporate-dominated future in the books mirror or exaggerate aspects of our current society? Were there any moments that felt especially plausible—or too real?
How does Wells balance hard sci-fi elements with personal storytelling? Was there enough worldbuilding for you, or did you want more?
How does the depiction of AI in Murderbot compare to other AI-centered stories like Blade Runner, Ex Machina, or The Matrix?
What do you think of the first-person, internal-monologue-heavy narration? Did you find Murderbot’s voice engaging or grating?
The novella avoids traditional romance arcs—how does that affect your engagement with the story and characters?

All Systems Red Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the All Systems Red discussion questions