January Book Selection

Merry Christmas

Thank you, Selina, for hosting!  Thank you to everyone for the delicious food and great discussion!  Thank you Jenn for our handout!!  We will be looking for Chapter 1 written by Jenn  in our Hodge Podge Book next month!  All of you need to be thinking about what you will write in your chapter!!! Can we really do this!!??  Ha!!  Seriously....I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Happy New Year!  See you in 2016!!!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SECRETS OF HALLSTEAD HOUSE

Did you think the author did a good job describing her new home/job, the people in her past, the new people she met, etc.?
Was it easy to picture the things she described?
Who did you like/dislike?  Why?
Were you immediately engaged in this story or did it take you some time to get into it?  Why?
What did you like most about the book....the romance, the mystery....?
At what point did you "figure out" what was going on or did you have to read until the end to get it!!??
What surprised you most...if anything?
Did you see any underlying meanings in anything she wrote?  If so, what?
Would you like to read more books by this author?  Would you recommend this book to others?  Why or why not?

December Book Selection

Everyone Has a Different Story!

I love Book Club!  So fun to have a place to tell "your story" and hear others tell theirs!  We are all different but agree that THE STORY is what ties us together!  Thanks for all the insight shared tonight!  Thanks, Jenn, for hosting!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "STORIES WE TELL"

Before we get into critiquing the book, (in a nutshell)  what would you say is the point of this book?

Do you agree that most stories have an element of creation, fall and redemption.... Even if very faintly?

Was there anything about his writing style you liked/disliked?  Why?

Will you read books, watch tv/movies differently after reading this book?

Would you consider yourself to be more like "the church lady" or the "over-anxious teenager"? (Pg. 40)

Jaime said "I think we need to train our minds to think on Christ every time we open a book or turn on the TV."  (We have experienced this in book club many times when reading secular books!)

She said in doing that we may (among other things): 1. Put the book down or turn off the TV!   2. Get insight into a certain group of people and therefore seek to understand better how to reach people for Christ.  3. Remembering that Jesus often taught through stories, you may see something as you read or watch that He wants to work in your life. 4. Have a connection with unbelievers  who've watched/read the same things so we can have conversations and maybe have an opportunity to share the Gospel.  Comments on this?

Any quotes in the book you want to point out?  Comments on anything else?

OCTOBER BOOK SELECTION

The Porch

Connie's big front porch was the perfect spot for welcoming Fall and discussing our September book!  Thank you, Connie and all who brought the delicious food!  We had a great discussion with 12 ladies there, even with several "regulars" missing!  It was fun as usual and I look forward to Jenn's on the 27th!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "THE HOMECOMING OF SAMUEL LAKE"

What did you like/dislike about this book?
Did Swan remind you of another character you've read about?
How did Samuel's ministry change after he lost his position as pastor and after the tent services?  How was it effective in a different way?
Talk about the cow bells.....the first miracle didn't seem to work, but then what happens?
What emotions did you experience as you read?  Anger, fear, sadness, etc?
Were you shocked by any of the events that took place?
Would you have allowed your husband to hold revival services and sing duets with Bernice?
Any comments regarding the author and what she had to say at the end of the book?  Or any of the questions in the back of the book?

September Book Selection

We are a Divergent group!

Seems a lot of us are "well-rounded"!  AND with all the good food, we will probably get "rounder"!!
Thanks to Tania for hosting and thanks to everyone for bringing food!  Looking forward to another great year of fun reading!  We passed the list and every spot for hostessing was filled!  We agreed that each month everyone who can will bring food.  That way we don't have to remember "assignments"!  Here we go YEAR 8!!!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR DIVERGENT

If you saw the movie and read the book, did you find the movie frustrating or did you think it enhanced the book?

Divergent is an example of dystopian literature, which, according to one source, is said to present a nightmare vision of the future.  Do you like reading in this "genre"?

Do you think this book is appropriate for teenaged readers?  Why or why not?

Talk about any situations in the book that intrigued you, or disturbed you, or made you think......etc.

If you could choose, which faction would you choose to be a part of? Why?

Do you think the factions in the book represent pretty much all personality types, fulfilling the basic needs of all people?  If not, what faction(s) would you add?

Is there anything about the faction "system" that makes you think it would work in reality?

On page 145 in the book, Tris says, "To me there is a difference between not being afraid and acting in spite of your fear as he (Four) does."  Would you agree with that statement?  Why or why not?

Did you feel "unfinished" by reading Divergent?  Do you want to read the next two books in the series? Why or why not?

"Pay it Forward" field trip to Harvest in Shelbyville!

2015-2016. YEAR 8 LBCLBC READING LIST

September 22, Discuss-The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield

October 27, Discuss-The Stories We Tell by Mike Cosper

December 1, Discuss-Secrets of Hallstead House by Amy M. Reade

January 26, Discuss-The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

February 23, Discuss-Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary

March 22, Discuss-Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

April 26, Discuss-Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

May 24, Discuss-The Encounter by Stephen Arterburn

Summer-Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Fun with Jaime!!

Thanks for hosting, Jenn!  It was so fun to be with our Founder!!  These are members who were in LBCLBC when she lead us.....sorry I forgot to take the picture while Tiffany was there!  Thank you to the new members who came!  Looking so forward to Year 8!!!!!  See ya at Tania's August 25!

OOOPS....the date

JULY 21st @6:30!!!!

Summer Excitement

Our LBCLBC Founder, Jaime, will be in town in July!  We are going to meet at Jenn's and Jaime will join us!  Mark your calendars!  Will meet at normal 6:30ish time.  Food details to follow!

Summer Read

Year 7 Comes to an End

Wow!  Thanks, Gayle!  What a feast!  It was a great ending to a great year!!  Thanks LBCLBC!  Be sure and watch the blog and emails for upcoming events!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "APRON STRINGS"

This book got several negative reviews, how would you review it?

Did you like the author's writing style?  What did you like? Dislike?

Did you see significance in the title "Apron Strings "?

Did you have a favorite character? Who?

Were you surprised by anything in the book?

Was there anything you expected to happen that didn't?

Did you like the ending?   If not, how would you have ended it?

May Book Selection

Sincere Thanks!

We are blessed to be a part of LBCLBC!!  Don't you agree!?  Thank you, Jenn, for hosting!   Thank you everyone for the encouraging conversation!  Look forward to next month!  Can't believe it's the last meeting of the year!

Discussion Questions for "Under the Overpass"

After reading this book, do you have a different view of the homeless?
If you had to be homeless, based on Mike and Sam's experiences, would you
rather be in Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix or San Diego?  Why?

On page 45, Psalm 34:18 is quoted, "The Lord is close to the broken hearted." and he says, "I wondered if pretending you're not broken keeps God at a distance."
He also says, "If we are the body of Christ--and Christ came not for the healthy but the sick--we need to be fully present in the places where people are most broken."  Talk about this.

Doug ( San Diego, pg. 196) longed for God to "fix" him but he wasn't willing to stop doing the very thing that grieved him.  Do you agree it's a scary thought that there might be something in your life that you have prayed for deliverance from yet you refuse to let go of that thing?

I marked lots of things in this book, but due to lack of space I won't mention all of them......Were there other incidents that stood out to you that I haven't mentioned?

Talk about Carla ( pg. 206)

He gave some suggestions for things to do to help America's homeless.  Did you think these were good ideas?
Is there something God would have you stop doing, start doing or continue doing as a result of reading this book?

April Book Selection

Girlfriends!

Thank you, Amanda, for offering your home on the spur of the moment!  We had lots of food ( thanks  to all who brought it!) , fun and interesting discussion.....as usual!!   What a great book club!!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY"

Was this an enjoyable read?  Why or why not?
Did you see the importance of having girlfriends in this book?
Did "Barbie and Ken" make you want to puke!!??
Did you cheer when Samantha told (Dr.) Zachary off?
 Samantha  seemingly married Jonathan because he could provide for her many needs...He wanted to hear her "say" she loved him, not that she was just grateful for what he did for her and her family.  It made me think, "Do I treat God this way?"
Did you have any thoughts like that as you read?
Another "lesson".....Don't judge by outward appearances!  Talk about this a little.
Were you surprised that Brooke and Bruce Dalton got together or did you see it coming?
If you're a Downton Abbey fan, did the weekly viewings sound like fun?
Have you ever had more time than usual to complete a task and were less able to do it than when you had a pressing deadline, like Claire in writing her book?
Did you like that Claire changed her "genre" and was able to write incorporating what was going on in her "real" life?
If you had to choose, who would you rather be, Samantha, Claire or Brooke? Why?
Did you appreciate how Jonathan's mother, Cynthia, came through for Samantha in the end?
Would you recommend this book to others?  Why or why not?

March Book Selection

This book will be a "lighter" read!  Thanks for a great discussion tonight!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "THE DEVIL IN PEW NUMBER SEVEN"

How did reading this book affect you?
Would you agree that "truth is stranger than fiction" in regard to this book?
Do you think it was well written? Did the way she started the book pull you right in?  Why or why not?
What horrified you most in her story?
Did you find it hard to believe that a person could get away with setting off dynamite in their neighbor's yard for so many years?
Do you think Robert made the right decision to stay in Sellerstown?  Why or why not?
Talk about what he said "When The Lord gets ready for me to leave this church, He won't send the message by the devil."
Would you have stayed?
Would you have been tempted to accept the offer by the KKK to "take out" Mr. Watts?
What would you say is the major theme of this book?
One comment I read on line said that they thought (speaking of forgiveness) that Rebecca should have had to forgive her parents for deciding to stay and subjecting her and her brother to the dangers they faced.  What are your thoughts on that?
Were you shocked that Ramona died the way she did?
What are your thoughts on Aunt Dot?  ATF Agent Charles D. Mercer? Any comments on other people in the book?

February Book Selection

Short stories or essays?

Thank you, Emily, for sharing your home with us!  It was great to be back together after our holiday break!  Thanks for all the good discussion and delicious food!  Hope to see everyone next month at Bess' house

Discussion Questions for The Blue Bedroom

Did you like reading a book of short stories?  Why or why not?
Did you find this author fun, easy to read?  Did you enjoy her style?
Was there variety in the story lines or did they all seem too similar to you?
Did any of the stories make you sad, happy, etc?  Why?
Which story was your favorite and why?  Did you really like one more than the others or did you pick several "favorites"?
Was there any particular character you related to or really liked in any of the stories?
Would you choose to read a book of short stories again?  Why or why not?
Would you recommend this book?
Would you like to read other books by Rosamunde Pilcher?