Book Trivia - Susan Quilty

Outside of being a writer, I’m also an avid reader, and I love book trivia! Just for fun, I decided to make up some quizzes based on books I love, books I’ve written, and stories from my Freely Written podcast. Some also explore writing, words, and related topics.

Note: With most of these quizzes, repeat plays may bring up a different set of questions.

Can you take the book trivia crown? Try your luck with these quick quizzes! (More to come!)

Name That Book!
Name MY Book!
Freely Writ ten Trivia

Dystopian Book Trivia
Writing Terms
Words Ending in -Nym

Susan Quilty wearing a crown, peeking from behind her laptop as if challenging you to a book trivia quiz

Name That Book!

Can you match these book descriptions to the correct title? The answers are books that have influenced me both personally and as a writer.

1 / 7

A boy is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle while his brother recovers from measles. When a clock strikes 13, the boy is drawn into a mystical world where friendship and adventure awaits.

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

That's not it... Have you noticed how many stories are about kids living with aunts and/or uncles?

I first read Tom's Midnight Garden when I was a child in the 1980s. As one of my earliest time travel books, it made a strong impression on me. Learn More

2 / 7

Raised mostly in a boarding school, a young woman finds herself walking the line between life and death as she searches for her father in the Old Kingdom.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Sabriel by Garth Nix

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

No, but I do love books with strong women protagonists going on wild adventures!

That's the one! Though I was skeptical of the necromancy angle, I'm so glad I gave Sabriel a chance! The series is phenomenal with an underlying story that comes together unexpectedly well. Learn More

3 / 7

In the final seconds before Earth's demise, one man escapes to travel the universe and learn about life on other worlds. He may even hold the key to life's ultimate question..

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Last Starfighter by Alan Dean Foster

Dune by Frank Herbert

Nope, not even close. Though this is a story of a young man in space, so there's that...

Don't panic, you got it right! I first read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in the 1980s after playing its text-based game on my Commodore 64. Learn More

4 / 7

In an automated world where citizens are divided into engineers and displaced workers, Paul Proteus' discontent leads him into rebellion against the machines.

Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham

Sorry, no. Did you guess based on the title? Sometimes that works, but not this time.

Correct! I first read Player Piano as a teenager in the 1990s. The book is surprisingly relevant, though it doesn't get as much attention today. Learn More

5 / 7

Told through heartfelt letters written by two sisters, this sweeping novel explores the lives of marginalized women as they struggle to find their self-worth, civil rights, and general place in the world.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

No, but each of these books explores the stories of sisters who are separated while surviving painful lives.

Correct. The raw narration throughout The Color Purple can be hard to handle, but it's also deeply beautiful to follow the story to the end. Learn More

6 / 7

In a world divided into outlying districts, people of each district contribute in their own way, including giving two of their children to an annual ritual.

Children of the Corn by Stephen King

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

No, this is a very different book! Though it does include a coming-of-age ritual and a disturbing approach to childhood.

Yes, a story of bread and circuses. I reluctantly read The Hunger Games but now love this darkly beautiful story that shows a real depiction of trauma, even after the battle is won. Learn More

7 / 7

When an 11-year-old orphan is adopted by an elderly brother and sister, her charm and imagination delight and disrupt the residents of Prince Edward Island.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Good guess, but no. That was a childhood favorite, too, but more for the Shirley Temple movies I would watch with my mom.

Correct! Reading Anne of Green Gables got me through a lonely childhood as Anne is definitely a kindred spirit! Learn More

Your score is

The average score is 70%

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Name MY Book!

Can you match these brief descriptions of my books to the correct title? This simple quiz is a fun, interactive overview of my books.

1 / 7

This eclectic mix of short stories made their debut in podcast form.

Elders and Aliens

Audrey and Esther Geekify Greenville

Freely Written Vol. 1

Nice try, but no. If you want to find out more about my short story podcast, Click Here

Yes! Too easy? Freely Written is both a podcast and a collection of short stories from that podcast. Learn More

2 / 7

Wacky hijinks ensue when two friends spend a weekend at a local comic and pop culture con.

The Insistence of Memory

Freely Written Vol. 1

Audrey and Esther Geekify Greenville

Sorry, no. But if that sounds like a story you would like to read, Click Here

Absolutely right! This silly, choose-your-ending style book blends tropes from three genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and RomCom. Learn More

3 / 7

After learning the basics of her new abilities, Amanda Jones finds that her secret world may be in trouble and it's up to her to help--while juggling life as a 'normal' high school student.

Elders and Aliens

Healers and Thieves

Family and Foes

No, but you're so close! All three of these books make up the Psychic Traveler Society trilogy. If you're interesting in contemporary YA fiction with a fantasy twist, Click Here

You got it! Amanda Jones' journey continues in Family and Foes. This YA trilogy begins with book 1: Healers and Thieves. Learn More

4 / 7

A young widow faces a tough decision when she discovers her late husband's invention: a machine that can record memories and play them back in someone else's mind.

The Insistence of Memory

Healers and Thieves

To the Left of Death

That's not it, but if you're intrigued by the idea of watching each other's memories, Click Here

Yes! While Joanne wants to support Jeff's project, she's worried about secrets in her own dark past. Learn More

5 / 7

Between bleary sips of late night bourbon, a school teacher rediscovers her love of art and is drawn back into the events of a traumatic day.

The Insistence of Memory

To the Left of Death

Family and Foes

Sorry, no. But if you like psychological drama and a journey toward recovery, Click Here

Correct. This heartfelt story also explores an unsolved mystery and the hard work of reconnecting with friends after a tragedy. Learn More

6 / 7

Just before her 15th birthday, Amanda Jones is shocked to discover that the house of her daydreams can open doors to strange new worlds.

Family and Foes

Elders and Aliens

Healers and Thieves

No, but you're so close! All three of these books make up the Psychic Traveler Society trilogy. If you're interesting in contemporary YA fiction with a fantasy twist, Click Here

Yes, indeed! Amanda's initiation with the Psychic Traveler Society begins after she discovers her secret ability to step into a whole new world. Learn More

7 / 7

In this last book of its series, Amanda Jones faces her most personal challenge yet: a journey that will help her find her true place in the world.

Family and Foes

Elders and Aliens

Healers and Thieves

No, but you're so close! All three of these books make up the Psychic Traveler Society trilogy. If you're interesting in contemporary YA fiction with a fantasy twist, Click Here

Correct! Through the three books in the Psychic Traveler Society series, Amanda Jones overcomes challenges that teach her more about herself and the many worlds around her. Learn More

Your score is

The average score is 79%

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Freely Written Trivia

Do you listen to my Freely Written podcast? How well do you know the stories? Test your memory with this quick quiz!

1 / 7

What is the central activity in episode 82, Sheet Music?

Making a bed

Making a cake

Making a skating rink

Nice try, but no. This sweet and silly story mostly revolves around empty nesters making a bed for their visiting daughter, while also making up a new song. Listen Here

Yes! This sweet and silly story mostly revolves around empty nesters making a bed for their visiting daughter, while also making up a new song. Listen Here

2 / 7

In episode 78, Invisible Work, how does Carrie get an invisible elf to help around the house?

She didn't. The elf is an elaborate prank.

She won a raffle at her nephew's special school

She writes a letter to Santa Claus.

Nice try, but she won the elf in a raffle. I love the idea of an invisible elf to help with all of the 'invisible work' around the house! Don't you? Listen Here

Correct! I love the idea of an invisible elf to help with all of the 'invisible work' around the house! Don't you? Listen Here

3 / 7

What is special about the campers in episode 61 Summer Camp?

They are magical beings learning how to act like humans

They are clones preparing to meet their originals

They are suburban kids staying in a city for the first time

No, but now I want to write that story, too! The campers in Summer Camp are learning how to hide their magic abilities and blend in with humans. Listen Here

Yes! The campers in Summer Camp are learning how to hide their magic abilities and blend in with humans. Listen Here

4 / 7

In episode 62, Goulash, where did Ronny's dad get his recipe for goulash?

From a popular food blog

From a witch in Budapest

From his grandfather's journal

Reasonable guess, but no. When Ronny's father serves goulash it comes with a story of elves, trolls, and magical adventure. Listen Here

Correct! When Ronny's father serves goulash it comes with a story of elves, trolls, and magical adventure. Listen Here

5 / 7

What help is being offered in episode 97, No Help?

Directions while driving

Solving a crossword puzzle

Sewing on a button

Great guess, but not this time. No Help is a sweet story where Gramps teaches his granddaughter a little lesson on accepting help. Listen Here

Correct! No Help is a sweet story where Gramps teaches his granddaughter a little lesson on accepting help. Listen Here

6 / 7

In episode 4, The Goose in the House, who are Sheryl and Ted worried about?

The writer

The gardner

Sheryl's cousin

Sorry, no... Did you miss The Goose in the House? Add it to your next story break! Listen Here

Yes! I love the existential angst that comes up when Sheryl and Ted decide the writer must have put the goose in their house. Listen Here

7 / 7

For the 100th episode, I shared a story I wrote in high school, instead of writing a new story from a prompt. What is the name of that story?

The Wash 'N Dryer

Cuckoo Catfish

Weird Blanket

Sorry, no. But these are all titles of other Freely Written episodes! The Wash 'N Dryer is the only one not free-written from a prompt. Listen Here

You got it! The Wash 'N Dryer is a short story I wrote for a creative writing class in high school. It was hard not to edit it now, but I left it as is! Listen Here

Your score is

The average score is 73%

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Dystopian Book Trivia

Do you love dystopia? Try these simple questions about some well-known dystopian fiction, including some of my favorite books!

1 / 7

In Oryx and Crake, the first of Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam series, the protagonist is a survivor of what apocalyptic event?

A plague

Nuclear war

An asteroid hit

Oryx and Crake kicks off the trilogy with Jimmy's post-plague survival and flashbacks to his experiences leading up to the plague.

2 / 7

In Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell, where does Winston work?

The Ministry of Peace

The Ministry of Love

The Ministry of Truth

Winston works as a clerk in the Ministry of Truth. He updates historical records to match the Party's current propaganda.

3 / 7

In Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, Alphas and Betas are at the top of the caste system. What are the lower three castes called?

Epsilons, Kappas, Sigmas

Deltas, Thetas, and Omegas

Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons

Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons are bred and conditioned to perform service jobs, while Alphas and Betas hold more intellectual positions.

4 / 7

In Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, dress colors show caste: blue for Commander's Wives, red for Handmaids, and green for Marthas (housekeepers). What color do Econowives wear?

Blue, red, and green striped

Gray

Yellow

Econowives are the wives of lower ranking men. They wear stripes to show that they perform all women's roles and are not given Handmaids or Marthas to help them.

5 / 7

In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, how does Guy Montag offend his wife's friends?

He reads them poetry

He insults their fashion sense

He shows them pictures of burn victims

The women are offended when Guy reads poetry because all books have been banned, based on the idea that books and learning lead to unhappiness.

6 / 7

In the Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins, what does the Capitol do to their Avox servants?

Genetically engineer them to be deaf

Genetically engineer them to be mute

Cut their tongues out

Panem turns captured traitors into Avoxes by cutting out their tongues and sentencing them to a life of servitude in the Capitol.

7 / 7

In George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, Winston becomes interested in joining which rebel group?

The Brotherhood

The Band of Brothers

Big Brother

The Brotherhood is an anti-government group hidden in the shadows of Oceania's totalitarian state, which is ruled by Big Brother.

Your score is

The average score is 57%

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Writing Terms

This quick quiz includes an eclectic mix of terms describing writing style, structure, and publishing. Can you get them right?

1 / 7

Which term describes a word that captures a particular sound? (eg. bam, pow, fizz)

Euphemism

Onomatopeia

Homophone

Onomatopoeia are words that represent sounds; homophones are words that sound the same but are spelled differently; euphemisms are polite words or phrases for uncomfortable topics.

2 / 7

Which point of view (POV) uses "you, your" narration:

Third person

Second person

First person

Second person POV includes "you, your" narration, meaning the narrator is talking directly to the reader.

3 / 7

Which of these plot points are part of the Hero's Journey writing structure?

The Ordinary World, Meeting the Mentor, Return with the Elixir

Zone of Comfort, Catalyst, Catastrophe

First Crisis, Dark Night of the Soul, Pre-Climax

The Hero's Journey is a popular writing structure in fiction. It follows 12 phases, including: The Ordinary World, Meeting the Mentor, and Return with the Elixir.

4 / 7

Which point of view (POV) uses "I, me, my" narration:

First person

Third person

Second person

First person POV includes "I, me, my" narration, meaning the story is being told from the narrator's perspective.

5 / 7

Which point of view (POV) uses "he, she, they" narration:

Second person

First person

Third person

Second person POV includes "he, she, they" narration, meaning the narrator is telling a story about the characters.

6 / 7

What term describes a legal right assigned to the owner of a finished work?

Copy writing

Copy editing

Copyright refers to ownership of a finished work; copy writing is writing text for marketing products or services; copy editing is editing text for basic spelling, grammar, and consistency.

7 / 7

Which term describes the final resolution of a story, where loose ends are tied up and mysterious twists are explained?

Climax

Footnote

Denouement

Denouement is the final part of a story where all threads come together; climax is the highest point of tension in a story; a footnote is an explanation or additional information added to the bottom of a page.

Your score is

The average score is 79%

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Words Ending in -nym

English includes a lot of words that end in -nym. Do you know what those words mean? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz!

1 / 7

Which word describes a phrase that is made up to match the first initials of a word?

Backronym

Contronym

Retronym

A backronym is a made-up phrase to fit an existing word, like an acronym in reverse. For example, placid existence and calm environment for the word peace.

2 / 7

Which word describes the name of a place that is only used outside of that place, not by the people who live there?

Exonym

Tautonym

Endonym

Exonyms are names used for a place by those who do not live there. Examples: Germany for Deutschland, Florence for Firenze, Japan for Nihon or Nippon.

3 / 7

Which term describes a word or phrase that has been modified to specify its original meaning after modern inventions have made it ambiguous?

Ananym

Backronym

Retronym

Retronyms specify the original meaning of a word. Some examples: analog clock, snail mail, live music, acoustic guitar, landline.

4 / 7

Which term refers to a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning?

Homonym

Synonym

Heteronym

Homonyms are pronounced the same but have different meanings. Some examples: pear and pear; feat and feet; two, to, and too.

5 / 7

Which word refers to a place or item named after a person?

Anonym

Aptronym

Eponym

An eponym refers to something named after a person. For example, sandwich comes from James Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.

6 / 7

Which term describes a word (often a name) created by spelling another word backward?

Ananym

Retronym

Contronym

An ananym is a name or word made from another name or word spelled backward. Fun Fact: I once had an imaginary friend named Nasus who lived in my mirror.

7 / 7

Which word is used to described an unnamed or unknown person?

Ananym

Anonym

Mononym

An anonym is used for an anonymous person, such as John Doe or Jane Doe. It can also describe a fake name used to hide an author's identity.

Your score is

The average score is 77%

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Thanks for joining in on some trivia fun! Check back for more quizzes to come. In the meantime, you can explore my blog or the individual pages for each of my books.

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Note: all of the quizzes were created by me, Susan Quilty, for entertainment purposes. I’ve done my best to ensure the information is accurate, but please let me know if you find any factual errors.