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

In a future where fertility rates have dropped dramatically, women are valued for their ability to bear children. A new class structure places women into categories of wives, housekeepers, or birthing servants.

The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

No, this is a completely different story about a young woman surviving an oppressive situation.

Too easy? In the late 1990s, The Handmaid's Tale sent me down a Margaret Atwood spiral, which is a journey I highly recommend! Learn More

2 / 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

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison

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

3 / 7

When a preteen boy is attacked by monsters, he soon discovers his secret parentage and demigod status. The revelation comes with a camp full of new friends... and enemies.

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

No, but each of these books kicks off a great series about a young boy with a fantastic future.

Correct! The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson series. I love the tone of these books and the Greek mythology woven throughout. Learn More

4 / 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

5 / 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.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

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

6 / 7

A preteen girl moves to a new town, makes new friends, faces puberty, and questions her religious faith.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Tread Softly by Corinne Gerson

Light a Single Candle by Beverly Butler

No, but if you can find a copy of this out-of-print book, give it a read. It was a childhood favorite!

Yes! Like most girls in the 1980s, I was obsessed with Judy Blume. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret holds up well, and I love the movie made in 2023. Learn More

7 / 7

This dystopian novel is set in a superstate called Oceania, which has four governmental departments: the Ministry of Truth, the Ministry of Peace, the Ministry of Love, and the Ministry of Plenty.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

That's not it, but that is a great book, too! I tend to love dystopian novels.

Yes, you are correct! I discovered Nineteen Eighty-Four during high school in the 1990s, and it's still a timely read. 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

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

2 / 7

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

The Insistence of Memory

Audrey and Esther Geekify Greenville

Freely Written Vol. 1

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

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.

To the Left of Death

Healers and Thieves

The Insistence of Memory

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

4 / 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.

Family and Foes

To the Left of Death

The Insistence of Memory

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

5 / 7

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

Audrey and Esther Geekify Greenville

Freely Written Vol. 1

Elders and Aliens

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

6 / 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

Healers and Thieves

Elders and Aliens

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

7 / 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.

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

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

Your score is

The average score is 81%

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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

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?

Cuckoo Catfish

Weird Blanket

The Wash 'N Dryer

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

2 / 7

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

She writes a letter to Santa Claus.

She won a raffle at her nephew's special school

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

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 was the first story to air on Freely Written?

Unicorns and Rainbows

Grocery Store Sushi

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Nice try, but no. The first episode, Grocery Store Sushi, aired on March 16, 2021. It's still one of my favorites! Listen Here

Correct! The first episode, Grocery Store Sushi, aired on March 16, 2021. It's still one of my favorites! Listen Here

4 / 7

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

They are magical beings learning how to act like humans

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

They are clones preparing to meet their originals

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

5 / 7

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

The gardner

The writer

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

6 / 7

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

From a witch in Budapest

From a popular food blog

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

7 / 7

In episode 66, The Frog and the Lotus, why is the frog looking for the blue lotus flower?

It grants wishes

It marks the path to get home

He was sent on a quest by the Queen

That's a good guess, but no. Maybe use it to write your own story? Or go enjoy a break with The Frog and the Lotus. Listen Here

Correct! While Freely Written stories come in any style, I do love writing the occasional fairytale/fable. 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 Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games, who gives Katniss the mockingjay pin that she wears to the games?

Her friend, Gale

The Mayor's daughter, Madge

Her sister, Prim

In the novel, the mayor's daughter gives Katniss the Mockingjay pin. It had belonged to her aunt, Maysilee Donnor, who was a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games.

2 / 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

Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons

Deltas, Thetas, and Omegas

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

3 / 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?

Gray

Yellow

Blue, red, and green striped

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.

4 / 7

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

The Ministry of Peace

The Ministry of Truth

The Ministry of Love

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

5 / 7

In The Giver, by Lois Lowry, children are assigned to their career path at the age of twelve. What unusual job is Jonas given?

Releaser

Revealer

Receiver

Jonas is chosen to become the next Receiver, a special, revered job that only one man holds.

6 / 7

In The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins, Katniss' stylist Cinna has a prep team that gets her ready for the games. What are their names?

Flavius, Delly, and Portia

Flavius, Octavia, and Venia

Octavia, Portia, and Atala

Though the prep team is hardly mentioned in the movies, Flavius, Venia, and Octavia have larger roles in the books, showing a glimpse of Capitol lives and how Katniss changes their perspectives.

7 / 7

In Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, Guy Montag is a fireman. What does his job entail?

Burning authors of banned books in the town square

Burning down houses where any books are found

Burning banned books in the town square

As a fireman, Guy Montag is charged with burning down the houses of anyone found to be in possession of books, as all books have been banned.

Your score is

The average score is 62%

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

Second person

Third person

First person

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

2 / 7

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

Homophone

Onomatopeia

Euphemism

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.

3 / 7

Which term describes a literary style where words in a phrase begin with the same sound?

Alliteration

Consonance

Assonance

Alliteration is a repeat of sounds at the beginning of words in a phrase; assonance repeats a vowel sound in a word or phrase; consonance repeats a consonant sound in a word or phrase.

4 / 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

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

Zone of Comfort, Catalyst, Catastrophe

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.

5 / 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.

6 / 7

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

Third person

First person

Second person

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

7 / 7

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

Copy editing

Copy writing

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.

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 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.

2 / 7

Which term describes a word that has two opposite meanings?

Cryptonym

Contronym

Hyponym

Contronyms are words that have opposite meanings. Such as: left, overlook, screen, weather. Also called Janus words.

3 / 7

Which term describes the name of a place that is used by the people who live there?

Tautonym

Endonym

Exonym

Endonyms are names for a place (or language, people, etc.) that are used by the people who live there. Examples: Deutschland (Germany), Firenze (Florence), Nihon or Nippon (Japan).

4 / 7

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

Retronym

Backronym

Contronym

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.

5 / 7

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

Retronym

Ananym

Backronym

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

6 / 7

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

Homonym

Heteronym

Synonym

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

7 / 7

Which word refers to a fake name used by an author to conceal their identity?

Aptronym

Mononym

Pseudonym

Also known as a pen name, a pseudonym is a name used by an author instead of their real name. Such as Charles Lutwidge Dodgson writing under the name Lewis Carroll.

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.