NEW ‘GOING DEEPER’ BOOK Study ANNOUNCED: Starting Thursday, Sept. 25, at
7 p.m., the Rev. John Sivley and John Dernbach will facilitate a discussion of Steven
Charleston’s 2015 book, “The Four Vision Quests of Jesus.” The group will discuss the
introduction and Chapter 1.
This book focuses on four specific experiences of Jesus as portrayed in the synoptic
gospels. It examines each story as a “vision quest,” a universal spiritual phenomenon, but
one of particular importance within North American indigenous communities. Charleston
has served as the Episcopal bishop of Alaska, president and dean of the Episcopal Divinity
School, and professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary. He is a member of the
Choctaw Nation. He is also the author of more than a dozen books on theology and
spirituality. For the Zoom link, contact Barbara Blakistone.
CATHEDRAL BOOK CLUB MEETS MONTHLY
The Cathedral Book Club meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m, click here for via Zoom. The next and the book, recommended by Marcy Nechemias, is “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore. For information contact Andrea –aebeling@ststep.org
September: The God of the Woods, by Liz Moore
Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet. Recommended by Marcy Nechemias
October: Rules for Ghosting: A Novel, by Shelly Jay Shore
Ezra Friedman sees ghosts, which made growing up in a funeral home complicated. It might have been easier if his grandfather’s ghost didn’t give him scathing looks of disapproval as he went through a second, HRT-induced puberty, or if he didn’t have the pressure of all those relatives—living and dead—judging every choice he makes. It’s no wonder that Ezra runs as far away from the family business as humanly possible. Recommended by Bart Carpenter
November: Like Mother, Like Mother: A Novel, by Susan Rieger
An enthralling novel about three generations of strong-willed women, unknowingly shaped by the secrets buried in their family’s past. From Amazon: “I’m only about 50 pages in, but I am hooked. I think this book would especially resonate with women who have a challenging relationship with their mothers/daughters. Well-written, raw and insightful.” Recommended by Linda Hope
December: The Survivors: A Story of War, Inheritance, and Healing, by Adam Frankel
Adam Frankel’s maternal grandparents survived the Holocaust and built new lives, with new names, in Connecticut. Though they tried to leave the horrors of their past behind, the pain they suffered crossed generational lines—a fact most apparent in the mental health of Adam’s mother. When Adam sat down with her to examine their family history in detail, he learned another shocking secret, this time one that unraveled Adam’s entire understanding of who he is. Recommended by Linda Hope.