1 QUOTE

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."

- Joseph Addison

1 NOTE

Oprah Winfrey’s book club is the most famous in the world. The film Jerry McGuire produced one of the most iconic lines in Hollywood rom-com history in a book club (technically a talking group setting). While our book club certainly didn’t move the Hollywood needle, I am so encouraged by the first meeting of the Holy Faith version of ‘The Finer Things Club.’

Our living room was full of readers. Some readers were nearing their sixties. Some readers were nearing sixth grade. Yet all of the readers were excited to discuss The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe. The evening format was fairly simple:

Ice-Breaker: We began with the question, “What is your favorite book and why?” Everyone shared why they loved their favorite book. Many jotted down titles as their friends shared their favorite reads. One person confessed that they are chronically online and they needed to read more. Many heads nodded in approval.

Discussion: To make sure everyone (especially our introverts) enjoyed the time, we began in small groups and ended in large group. We discussed characters and choices, symbolism and imagery, and core discipleship themes. Our favorite character was Lucy. One person called her ‘the total package.’ She is brave, caring, a healer and her foundation is a vibrant relationship with Aslan. I immediately thought of Becky Teter! We were all very sad for Edmund. He suffered the consequences of his choices. Our least favorite character was the White Witch because she used addiction and half-truths to become a queen. We ended the discussion ended with a grand celebration of Aslan, who buys back Edmund the betrayer with his his own suffering.

Everyone got a lot out of our first book discussion. One of our middle schoolers suggested a book for our next meeting. Another student said they loved how reading unlocks a ‘personal story screen’ in her mind. I thank God for a beautiful, filling, inter-generational and phone-free evening!

1 QUESTION

When is the last time you have had a great book discussion with a friend?

Until Next Tuesday,

John