Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

The Vaster Wilds

A Novel

by Lauren Groff

  • Critics' Consensus (17):
  • Readers' Rating (11):
  • Published:
  • Sep 2023, 272 pages
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

  1. The Vaster Wilds is, among other things, a survival story, and survival narratives have a long history in Western culture, from classics like Robinson Crusoe to popular American children's books such as My Side of the Mountain and Hatchet to more contemporary nonfiction including Into the Wild and reality TV like Naked and Afraid and Alone. How is Groff's novel in conversation with American mythology about survival, and how does it dispel those myths?
  2. The female protagonist escapes a colonial Virginia settlement where people are starving and many are dying. In the wilderness, the girl encounters Indigenous people who have a profoundly different way of life. What does she learn about the contrast between the European and Indigenous perspectives on the land, culture, and survival? How does she embody certain prejudices of her era, and in what ways does she surmount them?
  3. The novel portrays the girl's powerfully intimate relationship with God, away from the influence of the church. How do you interpret the role of spirituality in the book? What did you learn from the girl's faith as it exists outside formal religion? How does her experience of the natural world inform her spirituality?
  4. The protagonist faces many challenges to her physical well-being as she struggles to find food, shelter, and safety in the wild. How does the novel convey the sensations of hunger, cold, fatigue, and fear? In what ways does living on the edge of survival affect the protagonist's mental state, and what new insights, beliefs, or philosophies emerge as a result?
  5. The girl arrives in America because of colonialism, and yet we see how disempowered and oppressed she is by this system. How does the novel examine power and ownership—of the earth and of people?
  6. Lauren Groff's language is lush, powerful, and rhythmic, particularly when describing unusual experiences that most of us don't encounter in everyday life—a mystical confrontation with a bear, or weathering a terrible storm on a ship in which passengers die. How does this language contribute to our understanding of the girl's experiences?
  7. At times during her journey, the protagonist is flooded with memories of the people she has loved, including the child Bess and the Dutch glassblower. What kinds of love does she feel for each, and how does this love sustain her? At what points during her ordeal do visions of Bess and the glassblower appear to her, and what do they represent?
  8. Early in the story, the girl feels profound fear and grief, emotions that have "dwindled the self she had once known down to nothing. A nothing is no thing, a nothing is a thing with no past. It was also true that with no past, the girl thought, a nothing could be free" (page 5). What is the tension in The Vaster Wilds between freedom and history? What about between freedom and identity?
  9. Reckoning with the power and violence of men is a constant part of the girl's life, from the brutal minister to the men of the fort to the Jesuit priest. In what ways has her status as a woman conscripted her into particular kinds of service in England and in the colonial settlement? In what ways does the wilderness relieve those gendered burdens?
  10. The protagonist faces relentless, unimaginable hardship throughout her life, and still, arguably, she never loses hope. Discuss the role of hope in the novel. Do you see the ending as hopeful?
  11. The title The Vaster Wilds could have multiple interpretations. What is its significance, and what layers of meaning did it take on over the course of your reading?
  12. The wilds are less vast now than they were during the seventeenth century, when The Vaster Wilds is set, but our relationship to the environment continues to be a defining one. Did the book change your own relationship with nature? To what degree do you read this as historical fiction, and to what degree is it engaging with issues we face in the contemporary world?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Riverhead Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Debugging Information
ColdFusion Server Developer 2021,0,13,330286
Template /bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
Time Stamp 01-Jun-26 12:46 PM
Locale en
User Agent Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Remote IP 127.0.0.1
Host Name 127.0.0.1


Execution Time

Total Time Avg Time Count Template
1780317979753 ms 1.78031797975E+012 ms 1 /root/website/app_server.cfm
465 ms 465 ms 1 /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
234 ms 234 ms 1 /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/dsp_main.cfm
79 ms 79 ms 1 /root/website/app_layout.cfm
55 ms 55 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_right_column.cfm
50 ms 17 ms 3 /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm
44 ms 44 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm
41 ms 41 ms 1 /root/website/app_globals.cfm
29 ms 29 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm
22 ms 22 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/AdZone6.cfm
18 ms 18 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/AdZone11.cfm
16 ms 16 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm
14 ms 14 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_first_impressions.cfm
13 ms 13 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm
13 ms 13 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm
13 ms 13 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_footer.cfm
12 ms 12 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/showcase_track.cfm
12 ms 12 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm
6 ms 6 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm
5 ms 5 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm
5 ms 5 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_bottom_block.cfm
5 ms 5 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/membership_advantages.cfm
4 ms 4 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm
4 ms 4 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_account_types.cfm
3 ms 1 ms 4 /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_header.cfm
2 ms 2 ms 1 /root/website/act_check_login.cfm
2 ms 2 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm
2 ms 2 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm
2 ms 2 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/formurl2attributes.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_booktalk.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_top_brief_block.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_menu.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/Application.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/act_libraryIPLogin.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/banners/ad_594.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/js/fbjavascriptsdk.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/act_book_view_tracking.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_header_newsletter.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_wordplay.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/email_modal.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/google_tags.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/head.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/header_announcement.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_search.cfm
1 ms  STARTUP, PARSING, COMPILING, LOADING, & SHUTDOWN
466 ms  TOTAL EXECUTION TIME
red = over 250 ms average execution time


SQL Queries

spidercheck (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT	a.bot_number
        FROM	bots a
        WHERE	charindex(a.bot_name, ?) > 0
		OR a.bot_ip = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Parameter #2(cf_sql_varchar) = 127.0.0.1

get_member_info (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select 	a.*, 
    		b.member_account_type_name, b.member_account_type_charge, b.member_account_type_charge_frequency,  b.member_account_type_months, 
            c.member_chargetype_name, c.member_chargetype_number, a.member_classification_number, a.member_book_format
	
    from members a, member_account_types b, member_chargetype c
	
    where a.member_account_type_number = b.member_account_type_number
	and a.payment_method_id = c.member_chargetype_number
	and a.member_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

adactive (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=2) in /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT	viewby, section
    FROM	adsystem 
    WHERE	active  = 1 
    AND		start_date <= GETDATE()
    AND 	(viewby = ? OR viewby = 'all')
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = non

get_current_ezine (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=1, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select		top 1 ezine_number, ezine_dt, ezine_image, ezine_brief_description, ezine_introduction
from		ezines
where		ezine_active_flag = 1
and 		ezine_type_number = 4
and			ezine_dt < getdate()
order by 	ezine_dt DESC
get_current_wordplay (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT		a.wordplay_number, a.wordplay_dt, a.wordplay_name, a.wordplay_intro_text, b.wordplay_puzzle_number, b.wordplay_puzzle_question
    FROM		wordplays a 
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzle_mapping c on c.wordplay_number = a.wordplay_number
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzles b on b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
	WHERE		a.wordplay_number = (	select top 1 a.wordplay_number
                                from wordplays a, wordplay_puzzles b, wordplay_puzzle_mapping c
                                where a.wordplay_number = c.wordplay_number
                                and b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
                                and a.wordplay_dt < getdate()
                                and a.wordplay_expiration_dt > dateadd(day, -1, getdate())
                                order by a.wordplay_dt asc
                                )
get_ComNo (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 	TOP 1 	x.competition_number, x.bb_briefs_flag
	from			competitions x
	
		WHERE	x.competition_dt <= getdate()
		AND		x.competition_expiration_dt > dateadd(d,-1,getdate())
get_current_competition (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 	x.competition_number, x.book_number, x.competition_teaser_title, x.competition_teaser_description, x.competition_intro_text, x.competition_expiration_dt, x.bb_briefs_flag, x.competition_full_info_flag, x.competition_type, x.competition_optin,x.competition_optin_text, 
				a.book_title as "title",
				(b.author_first_name + ' ' +  b.author_middle_initial + ' ' + b.author_last_name) as "author",
	            f.edition_publish_dt AS "hardcover_publish_dt", f.edition_jacket_image as "hardcover_jacket_image",
				g.edition_publish_dt AS "paperback_publish_dt", g.edition_jacket_image as "paperback_jacket_image"
	
		FROM 		competitions x
		INNER JOIN	books a on a.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	book_author_mapping c on c.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	authors b on c.author_number = b.author_number
		LEFT JOIN	editions f on a.book_number = f.book_number and f.edition_paperback_flag = 0
		LEFT JOIN	editions g on a.book_number = g.book_number and g.edition_paperback_flag = 1

		WHERE		x.competition_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

get_previous_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=0, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 	a.arc_number,a.arc_client_url,a.arc_active_dt, a.arc_off_ad_dt,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publisher, 
		b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, b.ezine_preview_bb_comments, b.ezine_preview_isbn13,
		c.ezine_preview_category_name AS "ezine_preview_category",
		(select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) as "reviews",
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating,
 			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,1))) AS numeric(12,1)))from arc_allocator where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS "decrating"

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
INNER JOIN ezine_preview_categories c ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = c.ezine_preview_category_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt

ORDER BY a.arc_on_ad_dt DESC
get_future_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text, arc_on_ad_dt,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages, ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	
	WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1

	AND 		getdate() < arc_on_ad_dt
	
		ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_active_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE 		a.arc_obc_flag = 1
	AND			a.arc_active_flag = 0
	AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND 		getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND 		getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_recent_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=4) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE a.arc_number IN (select top 4 arc_number
							from		arcs
							WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1
							AND			arc_active_flag = 0
							AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
							AND 		getdate() > arc_off_ad_dt
							ORDER BY	arc_on_ad_dt DESC)
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_preview_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select 			a.ezine_preview_number,
				a.ezine_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_category_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_title, 
				a.ezine_preview_subtitle, 
				a.ezine_preview_author, 
				a.ezine_preview_publisher,
				a.ezine_preview_publish_dt,
				a.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, 
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_image,
				a.ezine_preview_reviews,
				a.ezine_preview_short_summary,
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_desc,
				a.ezine_preview_reading_guide,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_comments, 
				a.ezine_preview_isbn,
				a.ezine_preview_isbn13,
				a.ezine_preview_rating,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_link,
                a.ezine_preview_bb_author_link,
                a.ezine_preview_firsts_flag,
                a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
                a.ezine_preview_paperback_flag,
				b.*,
                c.ezine_dt, c.ezine_description
,(select publisher_holding_company from publishers where ezine_preview_publisher like publisher_imprint AND publisher_holding_company LIKE 'Harper%') AS "publisher_holding_company"		
 				
from ezine_previews a 
inner join ezine_preview_categories b ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
left join ezines c ON c.ezine_number = a.ezine_number

where ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18041

get_author_name (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT author_number, 
        CASE WHEN datalength(author_middle_initial) > 0 then author_first_name + ' ' + author_middle_initial + '. ' + author_last_name
            ELSE author_first_name + ' ' + author_last_name
            END "author_name"
        FROM authors 
        WHERE author_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1547

get_preview_awards_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select a.book_award_number, a.book_award_name, a.book_award_image, c.book_award_dt
    from book_awards a 
    inner join book_awards_category b on b.book_award_number = a.book_award_number
    inner join book_awards_mapping c on c.book_awards_category_number = b.book_awards_category_number
    where ezine_preview_number =  ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18041

get_briefs_reader_rating (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=27ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT	(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) >= 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
			ELSE 0
			END) AS "avrating",
            count(rating) as "ratcount"
            
	FROM (
		SELECT reader_review_rating AS rating
		FROM reader_reviews
		WHERE ezine_preview_number = ?
		
		AND reader_review_rating > 0
		
		UNION ALL
		
		SELECT reading_list_book_rating AS rating
		FROM reading_lists
		WHERE book_number LIKE 'p%'
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) = ?
		AND reading_list_book_rating > 0
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) IS NOT NULL
	) combined_ratings
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18041
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18041

get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=3) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 		a.reader_review_number, a.book_number, a.ezine_preview_number, a.reader_review_approved_flag, a.reader_review_dt,
				COALESCE(NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(m.discourse_username)), ''), NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(a.reader_review_reviewer_name)), '')) AS reader_review_reviewer_name,
				a.reader_review_reviewer_email_address, a.reader_review_reviewer_from_locale, a.reader_review_recommended, a.reader_review_rating, a.reader_review_title, a.reader_review_description, ISNULL(a.like_count, 0) AS like_count,
    			b.ezine_preview_title,
    			ISNULL(e.edit_count, 0) AS edit_count,
    			e.last_edit_dt,
    			a.member_number AS review_member_number
    FROM 		reader_reviews a
    INNER JOIN	ezine_previews b ON a.ezine_preview_number = b.ezine_preview_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN (
    	SELECT reader_review_number, COUNT(*) AS edit_count, MAX(edited_dt) AS last_edit_dt
    	FROM   reader_review_edits
    	GROUP BY reader_review_number
    ) e ON e.reader_review_number = a.reader_review_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN members m ON m.member_number = a.member_number
	WHERE 		a.ezine_preview_number = ?
    AND			a.book_number = 0
    AND 		a.reader_review_approved_flag = 1
    

	ORDER BY a.reader_review_rating DESC, a.reader_review_dt DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18041

get_arc_idfk (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 18041

get_arc_idfk_legacy (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1 AND a.discourse_flag = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 18041

obc_discussions (Datasource=booktalk_new, Time=20ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT 		t.name,
                m.title, m.body,
                u.username, t.id,
				(SELECT COUNT(*) from booktalk_messages where threadidfk = t.id) AS	"responses"
                
    FROM 		booktalk_forums f
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_threads t on t.forumidfk = f.id
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_messages m on m.posted = t.lastpostcreated
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_users u on u.id = m.useridfk
    
    WHERE 	f.id = ?
    AND 	f.active = 1
	AND		t.active = 1
    
    ORDER BY t.name, t.messages DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) =

searchResults (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=15ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT book_number, post_id, topic_id, blurb, username, topic_title
					FROM DiscourseSearchResults
					
        WHERE 		book_number = ? 
                    AND topic_id IS NOT NULL
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p18041

ya_check (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select ezine_preview_reading_level 
from ezine_previews 
where ezine_preview_number = ?
and ezine_preview_reading_level = 2
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18041

get_books_by_brief (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=4ms, Records=20) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select 			top 20
				a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
				b.category_name,
				c.category_number, 
				d.book_number, d.book_title,
				f.author_number, f.author_first_name, author_middle_initial, author_last_name
				
from 			ezine_previews a 
inner join		categories b on b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
inner join		category_book_mapping c on c.category_number = b.category_number
inner join		books d on d.book_number = c.book_number
inner join		book_author_mapping e on e.book_number = d.book_number
inner join		authors f on f.author_number = e.author_number

where			a.ezine_preview_number = ? 

order by 		d.book_number DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18041

get_author_bookcount (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=6) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select		b.book_title as "title", 1 as "bb_flag", b.book_number as "number"
        from		book_author_mapping a
		inner join	books b on b.book_number = a.book_number
        where		a.author_number = ?
union
    	select		c.ezine_preview_title as "title", 0 as "bb_flag", c.ezine_preview_number as "number"
        from		ezine_previews c
        where		c.ezine_preview_bb_author_link = ?
        and			c.ezine_preview_bb_link = 0
		
order by title DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1547
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1547

get_obc_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
select a.arc_forumidfk
    from arcs a
    
    	where a.ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_numeric) = 18041.0

existingResults (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=21ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm @ 12:46:19.019
SELECT id, last_updated
        FROM DiscourseSearchResults
        WHERE book_number = ?
        ORDER BY last_updated DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p18041

(Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=47ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
DELETE FROM DiscourseSearchResults
                WHERE book_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p18041

(Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=12ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
INSERT INTO DiscourseSearchResults (book_number, post_id, topic_id, blurb, username, topic_title, last_updated)
                        VALUES (
                            ?,
                            ?,
                            ?,
                            ?,
                            ?,
                            ?,
                            GETDATE()
                        )
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p18041
Parameter #2(cf_sql_integer) = 1933
Parameter #3(cf_sql_integer) = 564
Parameter #4(cf_sql_nvarchar) = I did not even need to think for this one! Lauren Groff's Vaster Wilds! I fully appreciated her writing skills…but I thought it would never end and it was a short book!
Parameter #5(cf_sql_nvarchar) = Dee_Driscole
Parameter #6(cf_sql_nvarchar) = Name a book that was really popular that you absolutely hated

get_member_account_types (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=2) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_account_types.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
select member_account_type_number, member_account_type_name, member_account_type_charge, member_account_type_charge_frequency, member_account_type_postscript, member_account_type_months, member_account_type_stripe_lookup_key
from member_account_types
where member_account_type_number = (select top 1 member_account_type_number
									from member_account_types
									where member_account_type_months = 12
									and member_account_type_public = 1
									order by member_account_type_charge ASC)
									
or member_account_type_number =		(select top 1 member_account_type_number
									from member_account_types
									where member_account_type_months = 3
									and member_account_type_public = 1
									order by member_account_type_charge ASC)
									
order by member_account_type_sort_order ASC
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=9ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
	
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone11
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=7ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone11

get_bio (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=12ms, Records=1) in /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/dsp_main.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT 	a.author_number, author_info_biography, author_info_image, author_info_copyright_info, author_info_interview, author_pronunciation, author_info_url
	                        FROM 	author_info a
	                        inner join authors b on b.author_number = a.author_number
	                        WHERE 	a.author_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1547

get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT 	top 10 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1
and getdate() <= dateadd(day,1,a.arc_off_ad_dt)

ORDER BY NEWID()
get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=3) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT 	top 3 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
			b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
					(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
					 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
					 ELSE 0
					 END)
				from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

	FROM arcs a
	INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

	WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND arc_obc_flag = 0
	AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1

	ORDER BY a.arc_off_ad_dt DESC
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=13ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
	
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_quotes (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=12ms, Records=1) in /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
select top 1 ezine_number, ezine_quote, ezine_quote_title
	    from ezines
	    where len(ezine_quote_title) > 1
	    order by newid()
get_free_newsletters (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=4ms, Records=4) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT 	*
    FROM 	free_newsletters
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
		 	AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #4(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        		AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 12:46:20.020
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 594


Scope Variables

CGI Variables:
AUTH_PASSWORD=
AUTH_TYPE=
AUTH_USER=
CERT_COOKIE=
CERT_FLAGS=
CERT_ISSUER=
CERT_KEYSIZE=
CERT_SECRETKEYSIZE=
CERT_SERIALNUMBER=
CERT_SERVER_ISSUER=
CERT_SERVER_SUBJECT=
CERT_SUBJECT=
CF_TEMPLATE_PATH=/root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
CONTENT_LENGTH=
CONTENT_TYPE=
CONTEXT_PATH=
GATEWAY_INTERFACE=
HTTPS=
HTTPS_KEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SECRETKEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SERVER_ISSUER=
HTTPS_SERVER_SUBJECT=
HTTP_ACCEPT=*/*
HTTP_ACCEPT_ENCODING=gzip, br, zstd, deflate
HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE=
HTTP_CONNECTION=upgrade
HTTP_COOKIE=CFGLOBALS=urltoken%3DCFID%23%3D4100705%26CFTOKEN%23%3D96f7a80de5641dc7%2D20340901%2D0C6F%2D79F8%2D365C6A38DD18EADD%23lastvisit%3D%7Bts%20%272026%2D06%2D01%2012%3A46%3A19%27%7D%23hitcount%3D17%23timecreated%3D%7Bts%20%272026%2D06%2D01%2012%3A46%3A12%27%7D%23cftoken%3D96f7a80de5641dc7%2D20340901%2D0C6F%2D79F8%2D365C6A38DD18EADD%23cfid%3D4100705%23; CFCLIENT_BOOKBROWSE=order%3Dp%23member%5Fnumber%3D0%23member%5Factive%5Fflag%3D0%23member%5Flogged%5Fin%5Fflag%3D0%23library%5Fuser%5Fflag%3D0%23view%3Dbooks%23; CFID=4100705; CFTOKEN=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD
HTTP_HOST=dev.bookbrowse.com
HTTP_REFERER=
HTTP_URL=
HTTP_USER_AGENT=Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
LOCAL_ADDR=127.0.0.1
PATH_INFO=/ezine_preview_number/18041/the-vaster-wilds
PATH_TRANSLATED=/root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
QUERY_STRING=
REMOTE_ADDR=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_HOST=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_USER=
REQUEST_METHOD=GET
SCRIPT_NAME=/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
SERVER_NAME=dev.bookbrowse.com
SERVER_PORT=8500
SERVER_PORT_SECURE=0
SERVER_PROTOCOL=HTTP/1.1
SERVER_SOFTWARE=
WEB_SERVER_API=
Client Variables:
cfid=4100705
cftoken=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD
hitcount=18
lastvisit={ts '2026-06-01 12:46:19'}
library_user_flag=0
member_active_flag=0
member_logged_in_flag=0
member_number=0
order=p
timecreated={ts '2026-06-01 12:46:12'}
urltoken=CFID=4100705&CFTOKEN=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD
view=books
Cookie Variables:
CFCLIENT_BOOKBROWSE=order=p#member_number=0#member_active_flag=0#member_logged_in_flag=0#library_user_flag=0#view=books#
CFGLOBALS=urltoken=CFID#=4100705&CFTOKEN#=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD#lastvisit={ts '2026-06-01 12:46:19'}#hitcount=17#timecreated={ts '2026-06-01 12:46:12'}#cftoken=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD#cfid=4100705#
CFID=4100705
CFTOKEN=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD
Session Variables:
cfid=4100705
cftoken=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD
sessionid=BOOKBROWSE_4100705_96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD
urltoken=CFID=4100705&CFTOKEN=96f7a80de5641dc7-20340901-0C6F-79F8-365C6A38DD18EADD
URL Parameters:
ezine_preview_number=18041
the-vaster-wilds=
Debug Rendering Time: 11 ms