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?