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?