Although The Clan of the Cave Bear remains Auel's best-known work, all of the novels in Earth's Children lend themselves well to discussion, and readers enjoy following the series as new novels appear. Auel's works also interest readers who enjoy archaeology and paleontology, and the subject of human prehistory lends itself to good discussion, especially among young readers. Group sessions can be augmented with slides or pictures from the Shanidar Caves or other sources, and readers who have seen the movie version of The Clan of the Cave Bear have lively discussions as well.

1. Ayla is a resourceful and independent young woman who draws upon both sides of her background, the Neanderthal and the Cro-Magnon, for her skills. How does each of these contribute to her character, and how does she use both traditions?

2. Neanderthal people are sometimes depicted as a lower form of human life...