Explore the spiritual, moral, and theological issues that emerge from these great reads in a monthly lunchtime book club with Executive Pastor Millie Snyder. Come to one or all as we enjoy a wide range of  thought-provoking books.  Each month's discussion is open to church members and friends.  No registration is necessary.  Bring your lunch.  Tea and water provided.

3rd Thursdays of the Month, 12:30 p.m., Parlor

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway – Sept. 16
Experience war-torn Sarajevo in this haunting novel.  An unnamed cellist memorializes 22 people killed waiting in a bread line with an impromptu 22-day concert.  See how the redemptive power of music overcomes the brutality of war.

Generosity by Richard Powers – Oct. 21
Challenge your own preconceptions when you meet a young woman, nicknamed Miss Generosity, who appears to be genetically engineered for happiness.  What would happen if science could identify the genetic basis of happiness? Would we rewrite our lives and change our existence?

Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo – Nov. 18
Journey with Otto Ringling and his unwelcome travel companion, a quirky New Age guru, as they journey throughout the Midwest to sell Ringling's family farm after his parents' death.  The comical road-trip becomes a voyage of self-discovery for both.

The Children's Hospital by Chris Adrian – Jan. 20
Discover a modern-day Noah's ark submerged under seven miles of water in a fascinating apocalyptic world.  Four grimly comic angels narrate this epic tale of a floating children's hospital and an architect turned prophet who was told to save the children.

Sweeping up Glass by Carolyn Wall – Feb. 17
Immerse yourself in rural Kentucky as Olivia battles seen and unseen forces.  She is determined to save the wolves of Big Foley Mountain, overcome her mother's madness, and give her grandson a normal life.  In the process of righting chaos and injustice, Olivia rediscovers herself and family.

 

Once Upon a Day by Lisa Tucker – March 17
Rethink your views of parenting, fate and coincidence in this book with two parallel story lines.  A modern day, but obsessively-sheltered Dorothea searches for a runaway brother and is rocked by the outside world.  Forty years earlier, a successful film director marries and becomes compulsively controlling.  Hope weaves through both and brings them to a surprising conclusion.

The Maytrees by Annie Dillard – April 21
Explore the boundaries of time and life and the evolution of character as you watch a circle of people on Cape Cod weather over the decades – Lou, the sometime wife; Toby, the wandering husband; and Deary, Toby's mistress for 20 years.  So why does Lou begin caring for a near-death Deary?