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 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..

Dune by Frank Herbert

The Last Starfighter by Alan Dean Foster

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

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

2 / 7

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

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

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

3 / 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.

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

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

4 / 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

5 / 7

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

Tread Softly by Corinne Gerson

Light a Single Candle by Beverly Butler

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

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

6 / 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 Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

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

7 / 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

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

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

2 / 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.

To the Left of Death

The Insistence of Memory

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

3 / 7

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

Audrey and Esther Geekify Greenville

The Insistence of Memory

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

4 / 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.

Elders and Aliens

Family and Foes

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

5 / 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

6 / 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

7 / 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

Your score is

The average score is 79%

Connect with me on social media!

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

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

2 / 7

Who is excited about an upcoming pizza party in episode 72, Pizza Party?

Classroom mice

The owner of a new pizzeria

Gina's grandmother

No, though I can imagine a story around that, too. Can you? Check out Pizza Party to see why the mice are excited. Listen Here

Correct! Growing up, I had pet mice that I adored. I'm surprised they don't creep into more of my stories! I did have fun adding them to Pizza Party. Listen Here

3 / 7

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

Solving a crossword puzzle

Directions while driving

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

4 / 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

5 / 7

What's the central story in episode 71, Where Do I Begin?

A heartfelt apology from a cheating student

A jungle trek with lost treasure hunters

A rambling story about a real estate conference

No, but maybe that will show up in another story! This time, a rambling story about an early return from a real estate conference has many twists and turns. Listen Here

Yes! This rambling story about an early return from a real estate conference has many twists and turns. Listen Here

6 / 7

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

From a popular food blog

From his grandfather's journal

From a witch in Budapest

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

What was the first story to air on Freely Written?

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Unicorns and Rainbows

Grocery Store Sushi

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

Your score is

The average score is 74%

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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 The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood, what does Offred ask her Commander for during one of their secret late-night meetings?

Hand lotion

Pizza

A journal

Offred asks for hand lotion because it is forbidden to Handmaids as a cosmetic item. Without lotion, she has been stealing butter from meals to soften her dry skin.

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?

Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons

Epsilons, Kappas, Sigmas

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

He insults their fashion sense

He reads them poetry

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.

4 / 7

In Lois Lowry's The Giver, how are families formed within the Community?

At age 20, couples can mutually request permission to be wed

Spouses are assigned and later given children to raise

Couples must prove their commitment before starting a family

Couples are assigned spouses and given children, one boy and one girl, at appropriate intervals. They separate after their children are raised.

5 / 7

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

Cut their tongues out

Genetically engineer them to be deaf

Genetically engineer them to be mute

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

6 / 7

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

Nuclear war

An asteroid hit

A plague

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

7 / 7

In Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, what mood-altering drug are citizens encouraged to take?

Pax

Prosac

Soma

Soma is a government-issued drug that keeps everyone in a state of comfortable bliss. Higher doses are taken in times of stress.

Your score is

The average score is 58%

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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 "I, me, my" narration:

Second person

Third person

First person

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

2 / 7

Which term refers to the mistaken use of a word for a similar sounding word, typically with amusing results?

Malapropism

Spoonerism

Gaffe

Malapropism refers to using a wrong but similar sounding word in a phrase; spoonerism is switching the first sounds of two words; a gaffe is an unintentional or mistaken remark or act that causes embarrassment.

3 / 7

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

Third person

Second person

First person

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

4 / 7

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

Consonance

Assonance

Alliteration

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.

5 / 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.

6 / 7

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

Zone of Comfort, Catalyst, Catastrophe

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

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.

7 / 7

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

Footnote

Denouement

Climax

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

Ananym

Retronym

Backronym

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

2 / 7

Which term refers to a word that is made from the first initials of a title or phrase?

Ananym

Anonym

Acronym

An acronym is a word made from first initials. For example, Scuba is short for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

3 / 7

Which word refers to a single name used for a famous person?

Anonym

Hyponym

Mononym

A person who goes by a mononym is known by a single name. Examples include Cher, Madonna, Prince, Adele, Bono, Twiggy, Michelangelo, Plato, Socrates.

4 / 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.

5 / 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.

6 / 7

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

Endonym

Tautonym

Exonym

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.

7 / 7

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

Retronym

Ananym

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.

Your score is

The average score is 78%

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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.