An Academy for Liars

Gather initial thoughts and opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of An Academy for Liars? What aspects of the novel stood out to you most, either positively or negatively?

2. Compare An Academy for Liars to other novels in the dark academia genre. What are notable similarities between the books, and what makes each book unique?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Lennon struggles to fit in at Drayton when she arrives. Describe a time that you struggled to fit in within a new community. How does your experience compare to Lennon’s journey?

2. The examination of power—personal, magical, institutional—is central to An Academy for Liars. What commentary does Henderson make about the nature of power, and how does that commentary match up (or not) with your lived experience?

3. Dante and Lennon’s mentorship relationship is complicated. Have you ever had a mentorship relationship? Reflect on its complexities and similarities/differences to Dante and Lennon’s.

4. How does the culture of Drayton foster academic competition? Compare Lennon’s time at Drayton to your own academic journey.