Book Club meets during the academic year on the third Tuesday of the month. Books are available for purchase about a month in advance at the Hospitality Desk in the Atrium for $15 each.
Sept. 17—Everybody Always, by Bob Goff
Bob Goff reveals the lessons he has learned—often the hard way—about what it means to love without inhibition, insecurity, or restriction. He points the way to embodying love by doing the unexpected, the intimidating, the seemingly impossible. Leaders: Cindy Carlson and Renee Putnam
Oct. 15—Arguing Religion, by Robert Barron
Every day, millions of people fight about religion. Whether with friends, family, or on social media, we expend lots of energy, lots of sharp words, and lots of strong feelings. But very few know how to have a rational, respectful, and productive exchange of differing views. Leader: Pastor Tim Westermeyer
Nov.19—The Heart of Perfection, by Colleen Carroll Campbell — Faith & Life Speaker
An award-winning author and journalist weaves stories of her own struggles against comparison and impossible expectations with those of seven ex-perfectionists who show us how to pursue freedom in Christ. Leader: Pastor Valerie Strand Patterson
Dec. 17—Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
This book is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to nature’s secrets. Leader: Pastor Cheryl Mathison
Jan. 21—Becoming Odyssa, by Jennifer Pharr Davis — Faith and Life Speaker
Jennifer chronicles the four most physically and emotionally challenging months of her life, hiking the Appalachian Trail. The trail is full of unexpected kindness, generosity, and humor. When tragedy strikes, she learns that she can depend on others. Leader: Trisha Ragner
Feb. 18—Living into God’s Dream: Dismantling Racism in America, edited by Catherine Meeks
As the struggle against racism continues, this book creates the much-needed “safe space” for dialogue on race to occur.
Leaders: Kate Sterner, Dr. Mary Hess, Professor of Educational Leadership at Luther Seminary
March 17—The Bookstore, by Deborah Meyler
A witty, sharply observed debut novel about a young woman who finds unexpected salvation while working in a quirky used bookstore in Manhattan. Leader: Amanda Berger
April 21—Women Rowing North, by Mary Pipher
A timely examination of the cultural and developmental issues women face as they age. Drawing on her own experience, she explores ways women cultivate resilient responses to life. Leader: Susan Path
May 19—Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, by Lori Gottlieb
With wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites us into her world as both clinician and patient, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between love and desire, meaning and mortality, guilt and redemption, hope and change. Leader: Pastor Mark Schmid