August book Change of Heart by Jodi Picoutt

Change of Heart is a spellbinding tale of a mother's tragic loss and one man's last chance at gaining salvation. One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen. For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire.

Think about the following questions as you read our new book: Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it means saving someone you love? Does religion make us more tolerant or less? Is what we believe always the truth?

Great July "Meeting"

I'd like to thank Becky and Cheryl for hosting such a great "meeting" on July 29. I really enjoyed how we got to move around and have any number of conservaions going on at one time, like when you attend a party. I suggested to Janice that we call our gatherings book club "parties" instead of "meetings" so that we can have that kind of interaction each month. It was fun for everyone whether they had read all three books or none.

What do you think about having parties instead of meetings?

Questions to Ponder

We read three great books in July with three strong female protagonists. Are you most like Esme Lennox, Lena Fleet, or Mamah Borthwick Cheney? Why?

In Loving Frank the women's movement played an important part in Mamah's life. Do you think she would be satisfied or horrified by where women's rights is today?

In Gods in Alabama, Lena Fleet made three promises to God. Have you ever made God a promise? Did you keep it? Why or why not?

Do you think Esme killed her sister at the end of The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox?

Which book was your favorite? Why?