Introduction:
The Book Discussion Ministry meets monthly on parish property, currently the fourth Monday in the rectory meeting room at 7pm. The objective of the ministry is to provide a group where people can discuss and enrich themselves with books and topics with a focus and emphasis on moral and social values rather than theological enlightenment or classroom literary dissection.
What books and topics are covered?
The book and topic selections are varied; best sellers, classics, memoirs, interviews, self-help. Everyone has the opportunity to suggest and votes on titles. Members then obtain their own copies, trying to partner with one or two others, trying to keep to a fifteen dollar price point. There are prepared suggestions to focus the flow of talk and to channel choices.
Who is this ministry for?
Parishioners are welcome anytime and need not make a long term commitment. Parents of high-schoolers should be aware of controversial topics in an adult forum and keep in mind the comfort level of disclosure by senior members.
Participants are under no obligation to attend each month, but those who do have the pleasure of developing camaraderie and parochial “networking.”
Be sure to notify the ministry leaders listed below if you would like to participate in a daytime discussion, because expansion is a goal.
Upcoming dates and titles for the winter and spring of 2010 are:
On January 18th we are finally discussing the book postponed from November: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Fiction based on research, this story offers insight into German occupation of an isolated island during WWII, the resourcefulness and points of view of at least a dozen diverse voices through their re-created correspondence.
February 22nd, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. Appropriate to Martin Luther King Day and Black History month, this novel looks at stereotypical roles of a 1960’s young woman and black housekeeper / maid / cleaning lady. What was expected; what relationship was possible; what impact did broad social changes have personally and collectively?
March 22nd, Cross Bones, by Kathy Reichs. This is indeed the mystery series titled Bones on TV; this episode involves an ancient skeleton from Masada and some unconventional theories about Jesus and the zealots. Promising to be less outrageous than Dan Brown, the author is supposed to focus on archeology and anthropology.
April 26th, Fragrant Harbor, by John Lanchester, looks at 1935 Hong Kong through the decades to 21st century big business. There is an element of anti-Catholicism versus teaching nuns during and after Japanese occupation and a look at corrupting alliances in this cosmopolitan territory. The author writes from personal experience, having been raised in Hong Kong; his grandparents had been interned by Japanese. The American Library Association named this a Notable Book.
May 24th, Madonnas of Leningrad, by Debra Dean, hopefully available in paperback. An elderly Russian immigrant to America recalls her days working at the Hermitage in Leningrad/ St. Petersburg as the staff hid masterpieces away from bombs and looting. Marina maintained a mental “Hermitage refuge” to cope with starvation and bitter cold then, and that becomes useful in old age.
Social Events of the Ministry
The club's mission is to build relationships within the parish as well as to enlighten ourselves, thereby enhancing the Body of Christ in our midst. To that end, one or two social events are scheduled each year, such as museum tour, movie, and game night - where moneys benefit a parish library or DRE media purchase.
Old Titles
Come and enjoy. The IQ test only
measures Inspiration.
Address questions to Betty at 954-587-4667