Book Club This Week!

Hi Ladies,

Book Club this Wednesday
Devon's house
7:30  pm
The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck.

This is a great little book that is based on Glenn's experiences. It really captures so many gospel principles, especially the power of the atonement. Glenn came and gave a fireside in our Stake a few years ago and told his conversion story, but also about the dream of the cornfield and the dark storm. It was a turning point in his life and he's captured it in this book through an 11-year-old boy Eddie.

As I mentioned at the last book club, it's not likely I'll be there to host the discussion. So here are a few links that may interest you before then, and some questions to ask each other.

An intro by Glenn on Amazon

Glenn Beck with Pat Robertson: The Christmas Sweater   (12 min, first half about book, the rest is politics)

The making of the play (last year)

Now a children's book (see video)

A book review from a blog
"Ultimately, it’s a sermon about letting God into your life to help you find joy amidst life’s nearly-crushing sorrows.  ...a preteen’s coming-of-age ...a satisfying illustration of the power of the Atonement in our lives, and isn’t shy about telling readers as much up front."

Another author reviews his book
"So, Mr. Beck, when you read my review, understand that I think you took the easy, wimpy way out in the last chapter. The story would have been so much more powerful if you hadn't done that gimmick."

[I'll agree with this view...then I read the first comment from one of the co-authors and realized that the publishers forced a different ending! EK ]

Another book club discusses online  Part 1  |  Part 2

About the author (more than you'll ever want to know)

And questions to discuss on the night of...

• What parts did you mark and why?
• If you could change your life by reversing your biggest regrets, sorrows, and mistakes... would you?
• Which character could you relate to most? How and why
• Discuss how this book has impacted you.
• What have you learned about the atonement and the power of redemption?
• What have you learned about parenting? grief? gifts?
• What is one gift you have received you considered to be you "Christmas Sweater?"
• Discuss some of your own Christmas traditions and why they are important to you.
  
• Do you agree with the reviewer above that the last chapter was a gimmicky way out?
  

• Eddie undergoes such hardship with the loss of his father, and then mother within the same year. Do you think he handles the loss well?
• Do you feel sympathetic toward Eddie in the struggles he faces? Does he have something to gain from the life-changing experiences?
• Does it seem as if Eddie’s teacher has insight on his needs by introducing him to the neighbor, Taylor?
• What are your thoughts on Beck’s writing style?
  

• Do you feel that Eddie finally learned something after enduring so much turmoil?
• Were you surprised by the twist at the end of the book?
• What are your thoughts on Beck’s personal note in ‘The way it begins…’?
• How do you rate The Christmas Sweater on a scale from 1 to 10 (1=worst, 10=best)
  

Join us!
Ellen