Out of the Basement

Michael Tanner is a citizen of two worlds. His outer world as a respected college professor affords him the opportunity to quietly pursue his joy of learning. His inner world, shaped by childhood abuse, is a prison of shame and pain where he battles mythological monsters that draw power from his nightmarish memories.
Though Michael has mastered the art of hiding his pain while in full view, the unexpected success of his new book, Bruce and Buddha: How Rock and Roll and Ancient Wisdom Can Guide your Life, pushes him well beyond his comfortable existence.
Bolstered by the possibility of romance, the encouragement of old friends, and a new ally, he decides he must face his past. Only by challenging humiliation can he earn the inner victory necessary to bring authentic peace to his life.

Book club questions for Out of the Basement by James Rourke

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

Michael was traumatized in a church's basement. A priest, Father Sylvan, plays an instrumental role in his healing process. What tensions arise and are resolved with this duality?

By the end of the book, you've "watched" Michael three different book presentations. What insights do the presentations allow into Michael's personality? What message stood out?

At the end of the story, Sara expressed concern that she had led Michael on. Michael said she hadn't. Considering what happened between them, do you think Michael dismissed Sara's concerns too quickly? Why or why not?

In dream analysis, dreams possess a storyline, which is referred to as the dream's manifest content, and a hidden or symbolic meaning, the latent content. Using this framework, discuss the manifest and latent content of Michael's nightmare in Chapter 7. What did you make of his dream?

At an early age, Michael identified himself as a "rock." What do you think this means? How might such a self-concept be helpful or harmful?

When in St. Jude's basement, Michael recalls his "garbage" nightmare. He declares that he is not garbage. Why is this moment significant to Michael? How did it impact you as a reader?

Rourke uses epigraphs to introduce certain chapters and act as a bridge between some others. What was a favorite epigraph of yours from the book? What do the epigraphs reveal about the power the past might have in our present lives?

Michael finds inspiration in the music of Bruce Springsteen, and the book includes a “Suggested Listening” page, where songs are paired with certain chapters. What songs would you suggest to be paired with a particular chapter? Why?

Out of the Basement Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Out of the Basement discussion questions