Who would have thought a simple book filled with a letter from a elderly, dying father to his young son could stir so deeply a conversation as we had the other night at our book club? Maybe it was the make up of who was there, the fact that several canceled so our numbers were smaller. Maybe because we have shared life on and off together for many years. For whatever reasons, it was what it was.
A leisurely book would be one way to describe the musings and remembrances of this preacher son of a preacher. The book walks us back and forth throughout his life and that of his father, as he tells his son life lessons that he will not be there to teach him. Interspersed is the great love he has for the boy's mother, the young wife of his later years. Reading of the love of his parents will bring the young man joy someday.
We talked about the book but somehow veered off on a tangent that brought us to talk about our lives. The pain we feel, the challenges we face, and how we feel like we never get it quite right. We encouraged each other in our faith and in the grace that God gives us so freely.
We talked late in the candlelight, the scent of freshly picked roses serenading us. We knew something special was happening, and we were grateful.
Also, it was Boniface's birthday. A good time to honor our leader, and eat some gourmet cupcakes. It didn't matter that we all hadn't finished reading the book. We will in time, and then look for the author's other books. This one read like a slow walk in the park. Sometimes it's good to saunter, isn't it.
Who would have thought a simple book filled with a letter from a elderly, dying father to his young son could stir so deeply a conversation as we had the other night at our book club? Maybe it was the make up of who was there, the fact that several canceled so our numbers were smaller. Maybe because we have shared life on and off together for many years. For whatever reasons, it was what it was.
A leisurely book would be one way to describe the musings and remembrances of this preacher son of a preacher. The book walks us back and forth throughout his life and that of his father, as he tells his son life lessons that he will not be there to teach him. Interspersed is the great love he has for the boy's mother, the young wife of his later years. Reading of the love of his parents will bring the young man joy someday.
We talked about the book but somehow veered off on a tangent that brought us to talk about our lives. The pain we feel, the challenges we face, and how we feel like we never get it quite right. We encouraged each other in our faith and in the grace that God gives us so freely.
We talked late in the candlelight, the scent of freshly picked roses serenading us. We knew something special was happening, and we were grateful.
Also, it was Boniface's birthday. A good time to honor our leader, and eat some gourmet cupcakes. It didn't matter that we all hadn't finished reading the book. We will in time, and then look for the author's other books. This one read like a slow walk in the park. Sometimes it's good to saunter, isn't it.
Thanks for sharing all of this...and the photos are wonderful. Such beautiful pictures---the table, teapot, cupcakes and the women's hands. Such gorgeous hands. :)
ReplyDeleteBtw, I loved the book too!
I read this one quite a bit ago and I remember liking it, but I can't be much more specific than that, as you know how much I read, and it's been a while, HA! I do know that I read at least one other book of hers and wasn't all that thrilled with it, but maybe you'll find something there I didn't. Of course I can't remember what it was called right now, but it had train tracks on the cover and was a smaller, shorter book. Glad you guys enjoyed it and I always love reading your blog!=)
ReplyDeleteI've never belonged to a book club but always thought it would be a fun thing to do. You're lucky to have a group of friends like that, that you can share with.
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