K.C. Grant's Blog
January 21, 2010
Book Club ideas for 'Abish'
Abish: Daughter of God
By K.C. Grant
Every story must have a beginning.
If mine were to be told, it would begin two lifetimes ago, before a queen gave me my freedom and I moved from land to land looking for a place where I belonged. It would begin before death ripped out my heart. But it would not be my story alone. It would tell of a proud people brought low and of a low people exalted, because my tale is only a thread that has somehow become entwined in the tapestry that has unfolded around me.
And so begins the intensely emotional, richly spiritual odyssey of Abish, whose significant contribution to Book of Mormon history is creatively depicted in this finely crafted story of love, loss, and redemption.
This is a story of one woman’s courage in the face of life-threatening dangers, of faith that triumphs over fear, and of an all-encompassing love that changes the lives and spiritual destiny of thousands—Nephites and Lamanites alike.
Gifted LDS author K.C. Grant demonstrates a profound understanding of the time, setting, and people that provide the backdrop to this compelling and inspiring narrative—an intricate tale of suspense, romance, intrigue, and spiritual triumphs.
Trivia Questions:
1. What were the two reasons why Abish found herself living in King Lamoni’s palace?
2. Who was often Abish’s “accomplice” when it came to seeing Jared?
3. What did Abish wear around her neck as a token from her father?
4. In what condition did Abish find her childhood home upon her return as an adult?
5. Who became Abish’s trusted friend when she returned to the palace as a healer?
Trivia Answers:
1. As a childhood playmate to Princess Anrah and as a healer to the queen
2. Neti, her childhood nursemaid
3. A jade necklace
4. It was abandoned and uncared for
5. Teara
Getting to know author K.C. Grant
1. What caused you to begin writing this book?
I’ve always been fascinated with the story of Abish. There is such a brief mention of her in the Book of Mormon and yet her actions were so influential that I couldn’t help but want to give her a larger voice.
2. Did you have any interesting experiences while writing this book?
I was pleasantly surprised by how many other people were curious about her as well. It was nice to know that I wasn’t the only one who felt she hadn’t received her fair dues.
3. What do you hope people come away with after reading your book?
Above all, my hope is that readers will relate to the character of Abish and get a sense of how strong women had to be during that time. No matter what her life was really like, she was inspirational.
4. What kind of research did you do for this book, and how long did it take?
Since I had already traveled through the actual geography in which my book took place, I felt as if I had a basic grasp of what would be the setting. But I wanted to plant the novel firmly in reality and so I studied extensively what is known about the Preclassic Maya. The research of Joseph L. Allen and John L. Sorenson was indispensable. I also appreciated the photography of Scot and Maurine Proctor in refreshing my memory as to the rugged beauty of the highlands of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and central Guatemala. It took months, but I was glad I did it.
5. What is the next project you are working on?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have another work accepted by Covenant which, strangely enough, also takes place in Mexico—but with a modern twist! And, of course, I couldn’t just let the character of Abish fade away. I would love to do a sequel that shows the progression of her life among the people of Ammon and focuses on how the women of her generation became the mothers to the stripling warriors.
Discussion Questions
1. In the scriptural account, it says that Abish was converted on account of a remarkable vision of her father. What are some of the ways that this could be interpreted?
2. Why do you think Abish is one of the few women called by name in The Book of Mormon?
3. What were some of the differences between the relationships that Abish had with each of her parents?
4. How does the theme of forgiveness run throughout the book?
5. Did your perceptions about Saranhi change at the end of the book? In what way?
Recipe title: 'Mayan' Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
2 heaping tablespoons of your usual hot chocolate mix
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 drops of almond extract
Directions: Heat a cup of water and stir in all of the ingredients. It’s like your usual cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day—but with an ancient twist!
By K.C. Grant
Every story must have a beginning.
If mine were to be told, it would begin two lifetimes ago, before a queen gave me my freedom and I moved from land to land looking for a place where I belonged. It would begin before death ripped out my heart. But it would not be my story alone. It would tell of a proud people brought low and of a low people exalted, because my tale is only a thread that has somehow become entwined in the tapestry that has unfolded around me.
And so begins the intensely emotional, richly spiritual odyssey of Abish, whose significant contribution to Book of Mormon history is creatively depicted in this finely crafted story of love, loss, and redemption.
This is a story of one woman’s courage in the face of life-threatening dangers, of faith that triumphs over fear, and of an all-encompassing love that changes the lives and spiritual destiny of thousands—Nephites and Lamanites alike.
Gifted LDS author K.C. Grant demonstrates a profound understanding of the time, setting, and people that provide the backdrop to this compelling and inspiring narrative—an intricate tale of suspense, romance, intrigue, and spiritual triumphs.
Trivia Questions:
1. What were the two reasons why Abish found herself living in King Lamoni’s palace?
2. Who was often Abish’s “accomplice” when it came to seeing Jared?
3. What did Abish wear around her neck as a token from her father?
4. In what condition did Abish find her childhood home upon her return as an adult?
5. Who became Abish’s trusted friend when she returned to the palace as a healer?
Trivia Answers:
1. As a childhood playmate to Princess Anrah and as a healer to the queen
2. Neti, her childhood nursemaid
3. A jade necklace
4. It was abandoned and uncared for
5. Teara
Getting to know author K.C. Grant
1. What caused you to begin writing this book?
I’ve always been fascinated with the story of Abish. There is such a brief mention of her in the Book of Mormon and yet her actions were so influential that I couldn’t help but want to give her a larger voice.
2. Did you have any interesting experiences while writing this book?
I was pleasantly surprised by how many other people were curious about her as well. It was nice to know that I wasn’t the only one who felt she hadn’t received her fair dues.
3. What do you hope people come away with after reading your book?
Above all, my hope is that readers will relate to the character of Abish and get a sense of how strong women had to be during that time. No matter what her life was really like, she was inspirational.
4. What kind of research did you do for this book, and how long did it take?
Since I had already traveled through the actual geography in which my book took place, I felt as if I had a basic grasp of what would be the setting. But I wanted to plant the novel firmly in reality and so I studied extensively what is known about the Preclassic Maya. The research of Joseph L. Allen and John L. Sorenson was indispensable. I also appreciated the photography of Scot and Maurine Proctor in refreshing my memory as to the rugged beauty of the highlands of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and central Guatemala. It took months, but I was glad I did it.
5. What is the next project you are working on?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have another work accepted by Covenant which, strangely enough, also takes place in Mexico—but with a modern twist! And, of course, I couldn’t just let the character of Abish fade away. I would love to do a sequel that shows the progression of her life among the people of Ammon and focuses on how the women of her generation became the mothers to the stripling warriors.
Discussion Questions
1. In the scriptural account, it says that Abish was converted on account of a remarkable vision of her father. What are some of the ways that this could be interpreted?
2. Why do you think Abish is one of the few women called by name in The Book of Mormon?
3. What were some of the differences between the relationships that Abish had with each of her parents?
4. How does the theme of forgiveness run throughout the book?
5. Did your perceptions about Saranhi change at the end of the book? In what way?
Recipe title: 'Mayan' Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
2 heaping tablespoons of your usual hot chocolate mix
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 drops of almond extract
Directions: Heat a cup of water and stir in all of the ingredients. It’s like your usual cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day—but with an ancient twist!
