Christian Fiction Devourers discussion
Archived Group Reads 2014
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January Additional Group Read Discussion
Ok- I will start off with a comment of my own in that when initially I saw that The outcast was chosen, I wasn't too excited because the Amish Fiction genre is not my favorite genre, only because I had read them a lot and felt like they were becoming too formulaic for me where they were all the same story with just different names and it was becoming too repetitive. However, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book very much and it gives me faith to try again and read more Amish fiction ( although technically this one is Mennonite :) . So feel free to let me know your favorites and I will give this genre another try :)
I will totally agree with Cheryl. I have never even picked up an Amish fiction book before. I took them as all romance books and wrote them off as uninteresting.
I am super glad I read this one though! I was drawn in from the very beginning. The book is so pack with emotion! I am probably driving all my friends crazy by how much I go on about it!
Now, to answer the first question. I thought the duel perspective was great! I will admit, when it first switched to Amos' I was a little confused what was going on, but I caught on quickly. The voices seemed very different in my mind. For one, Amos' sounded like third person at times. This never bothered me though. I thought his perspective really gave the reader the needed information about the Mennonite community while Rachel was away.
I am super glad I read this one though! I was drawn in from the very beginning. The book is so pack with emotion! I am probably driving all my friends crazy by how much I go on about it!
Now, to answer the first question. I thought the duel perspective was great! I will admit, when it first switched to Amos' I was a little confused what was going on, but I caught on quickly. The voices seemed very different in my mind. For one, Amos' sounded like third person at times. This never bothered me though. I thought his perspective really gave the reader the needed information about the Mennonite community while Rachel was away.
Rebecca, Daughter of the Woodland Realm wrote: "I will totally agree with Cheryl. I have never even picked up an Amish fiction book before. I took them as all romance books and wrote them off as uninteresting.I am super glad I read this one ..."
Cheryl, I used to love Amish fiction but began to feel as you do that they were so formulaic that I just couldn't read them any more. I have recently read a couple and enjoyed one and found the other OK but still formulaic. I have heard such good things about this one that I am looking forward to reading it. On hold at the library and I'm hoping to pick it up perhaps Saturday if Cliff transfers to the rehab hospital tomorrow.
Loraine, this one is anything but formulaic. I steer clear of "bonnet fiction" for the most part, but The Outcast made it to my all-time favorites. I even purchased both Kindle & print copy because I liked it that much - plus it was a must-buy since I was meeting Jolina and *had* to get it signed. :)
Cheryl wrote: "Ok- I will start off with a comment of my own in that when initially I saw that The outcast was chosen, I wasn't too excited because the Amish Fiction genre is not my favorite genre, only because I..."I honestly felt like The Outcast transcends it's genre. It is so much more than typical Amish fiction, it's edgy and realistic and beautiful in a way that a lot of books aren't, Amish-set or not.
I did really enjoy Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long - despite the sweet title, this book has a lot of depth and was very romantic and realistic. It was a favorite back in 2012.
I touched on question number 1 in my review:Rachel’s personal narration is uniquely mirrored by the narration of Amos King, the deceased bishop of her community. His otherworldly perspective adds an unexpected layer to the story and provided the necessary background of past events, including what he feels was his hand in helping his son Tobias cover up his sin as well as his hand in the strained relationship between his son Judas and his older children.
Petersheim’s descriptions were beautiful, epitomizing the idea of showing not telling. As I was reading, I felt what these characters were feeling. My heart was broken and put together again by the situations and people in this story of moving past betrayals to save a child’s life.
Am reading Amish Kitchen right now and will start this one as soon as I finish it.
I agree with Beth that the voice of Amos King was necessary for the development of the background. I also felt that the voice of Amos was to offer a glimpse of grace in his own regrets of the harshness and judgement he displayed while living.
Ok all just a heads up- be sure to come to the thread on Wednesday the 22nd- I have a surprise for you!!! :)
Cheryl wrote: "Ok all just a heads up- be sure to come to the thread on Wednesday the 22nd- I have a surprise for you!!! :)":D
Cheryl wrote: "Ok all just a heads up- be sure to come to the thread on Wednesday the 22nd- I have a surprise for you!!! :)"
In that case, I'll be coming back tomorrow!
In that case, I'll be coming back tomorrow!
I'm about half way through this book and find it really intriguing. I hope this is not a spoiler comment but I find the choice of names - Leah and Rachel - more fascinating the farther I get into the story.
I agree Sara! There are a lot of similarities there.
Hello, ladies! What a great discussion you have going on here! Thank you so much for choosing The Outcast. Let me know if you have any questions, and I will try to answer them as best as I can (and within the time frame my toddler allows). Hugs all around! You're all such a blessing to me! :)
Sara wrote: "I'm about half way through this book and find it really intriguing. I hope this is not a spoiler comment but I find the choice of names - Leah and Rachel - more fascinating the farther I get into ..."Ah, you are picking up on a thread, Sara! Love it! :)
Cheryl wrote: "Ok all just a heads up- be sure to come to the thread on Wednesday the 22nd- I have a surprise for you!!! :)"Thank you so much, Cheryl, for letting me come visit with you all. What an honor to be here!
Anna wrote: "I agree with Beth that the voice of Amos King was necessary for the development of the background. I also felt that the voice of Amos was to offer a glimpse of grace in his own regrets of the harsh..."Love your insight, Anna; this is exactly why I chose to use Amos King's heavenly perspective versus Judah's perspective or Tobias's. I felt like he would bring a depth that the other ones couldn't.
Also, fun tidbit: my husband and I share a Plain background that originated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but we actually met here, in Tennessee. (Our fathers even attended the same Mennonite high school.) We met at church through my husband’s formerly Amish grandfather, Amos Stoltzfus, who encouraged my family to visit. Grandpa Amos was a wonderful, lively man, and I partly based my character Amos King after him.
Beth wrote: "I touched on question number 1 in my review:Rachel’s personal narration is uniquely mirrored by the narration of Amos King, the deceased bishop of her community. His otherworldly perspective adds..."
Rebecca Morstan-Watson wrote: "I will totally agree with Cheryl. I have never even picked up an Amish fiction book before. I took them as all romance books and wrote them off as uninteresting.
I am super glad I read this one ..."
What depth in your comments, Myra; so beautifully done! Thank you, friend!
Jolina, I was going to ask if you had an Amish or Mennonite background which I think you just explained. There was so much information on so many things - medical knowledge for one. You must have done a lot of research. I found a quote of yours "I encourage anyone who has gone through hardships to look back through their life's chapters and see what can be turned into a book. For you never know what heartache God, one day, can turn into a redemptive story". I love that!!! The characters in this book all had life chapters that God turned into a redemptive story. This is one book that I will remember, complex with many layers. It's a wonderful book. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
Jolina, it's so good to have you here! The Outcast was an unforgettable, read-again quality book for me, that perfect blend of strong writing, complex characterization and emotional impact. It was truly an honor to review it, and The Outcast was on my "best of 2013" list.Did it take a while to find a publisher, or were they fighting over your manuscript?
Nice surprise, huh!? Thanks so much Jolina for popping in and sharing some fun background with us!My question is general but I am always fascinated with the author's journey in telling the story. I know sometimes it's easier than others so-
Jolina- what was the most rewarding part of telling this story and what was the most challenging part for you?
Jolina - I have just started your book but already find it fascinating. Having read The Scarlet Letter in High School and being a English literature major in college, I am looking forward to seeing the parallels between the two and the differences between the perspectives.
Just curious if anyone feels like they want to revisit The Scarlet Letter and re-read it after finishing this book? That was sort of how I felt because it has been so long since I have read it! I picked up the audio version from my library as I listen to books often while I am driving around everywhere- I thought it would be fun to refresh my memory :)
Cheryl wrote: "Just curious if anyone feels like they want to revisit The Scarlet Letter and re-read it after finishing this book? That was sort of how I felt because it has been so long since I have..."I was just thinking that very same thing Cheryl as I was reading The Outcast today. I last read it in high school back in the stone age!
Carole wrote: "Jolina, it's so good to have you here! The Outcast was an unforgettable, read-again quality book for me, that perfect blend of strong writing, complex characterization and emotional impact. It was ..."Thank you, Carole! I have appreciated your support so much! I had a great, swift experience finding a home for The Outcast. That being said, however, some publishing houses were concerned about Amos King's viewpoint from "beyond the grave." Tyndale House loved this aspect of the story and did not want to change it at all. The Outcast is the first Amish fiction they have ever published, and I am so grateful to work with them.
Cheryl wrote: "Nice surprise, huh!? Thanks so much Jolina for popping in and sharing some fun background with us!My question is general but I am always fascinated with the author's journey in telling the story...."
The challenging answer: The Outcast was partly based on a true story someone told to me about four years ago. I changed many aspects of the story, but the threads of betrayal, heartbreak, forgiveness, and redemption were all the same. I was concerned that some people might recognize the story, but they didn't. That was a great relief!
The most rewarding part has been the countless social media messages I have received from readers whose lives were touched by this story. This is what fuels my writing, as I see it more like a ministry than a career.
Loraine wrote: "Jolina - I have just started your book but already find it fascinating. Having read The Scarlet Letter in High School and being a English literature major in college, I am looking forward to seein..."I love The Scarlet Letter, too, Loraine! I went to a very strict private school, so when we read The Scarlet Letter, I was very intrigued by the premise and wrote a paper about the plight of Hester Prynne: "The Pearl of Great Price." ;) All these years later, the story remains dear to my heart.
Loraine wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "Just curious if anyone feels like they want to revisit The Scarlet Letter and re-read it after finishing this book? That was sort of how I felt because it has been so lo..."I listened to the audiobook version of The Scarlet Letter a few months ago. Audiobooks are the way to read with a toddler. I can fold laundry, do dishes, cook, and she just listens happily. I like to think it helps her verbal skills, too. There is also an audiobook version of The Outcast, performed by Tavia Gilbert, who did a phenomenal job. I was absolutely blown away!
Sara wrote: "Jolina, I was going to ask if you had an Amish or Mennonite background which I think you just explained. There was so much information on so many things - medical knowledge for one. You must have..."Thank you so much, Sara! Yes, I have a Mennonite background, which was based in Lancaster, where I was born, and my husband has an Amish background. I grew up around a Mennonite community in KY. They even invited me to stay for a summer, but I didn't take them up on it--one of my regrets! My family remains in touch with the community to this day, which has been a blessing to all of us.
About the medical aspect: My best friend went through a bone marrow transplant in 2008, so that thread of the story was very true to life. I will never forget trying to sleep on that pull-out chair next to her hospital bed and wondering if she was going to be all right. I am so happy to say she is now in complete remission, married to one of my college friends, and full of life, beauty, and love! Her friendship is one of my life's greatest gifts. The Outcast is dedicated to her, Misty.
Jolina wrote: "Carole wrote: "Jolina, it's so good to have you here! The Outcast was an unforgettable, read-again quality book for me, that perfect blend of strong writing, complex characterization and emotional ..."Jolina so glad that Tyndale took a chance on you and did not want to change a thing. I finished Outcast last night and have to say it is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. The complexity of the characters and their relationships was intriguing. I loved reading Amos' point of view from beyond as it seemed to me to represent how God sees the whole picture when we only see bits and pieces of the puzzle. Hope you are busy writing another book as I look forward to reading more from you.
I second Loraine's comment about Tyndale because the voice of Amos made The Outcast unique and really stand out. In fact, I can't imagine the narrative without him. Tyndale has published some other books that I consider outstanding, so I always look to see what they are releasing.
I agree with the Amos comments. His perpective gave such depth to the story.SPOILER COMMENT*****
The scene in the woods with Amos and Tobias at the end of the book was absolutely beautifully done. I was at rhe gym on the elliptical machine while I was reading this part and the people around me must have thought I was crazy because here I was blubbering in the middle of my workout. It was so well written and so moving and such a powerful message on laying down your pride for something much better -restoration through the Lord -and that is life giving both for Tobias and ultimately for Eli!
Cheryl wrote: "I agree with the Amos comments. His perpective gave such depth to the story.SPOILER COMMENT*****
The scene in the woods with Amos and Tobias at the end of the book was absolutely beautifully do..."
Yes - this scene was incredibly moving. It reminded me of how God whispers in our ears if we are only still enough to listen.
Loraine wrote: "Jolina wrote: "Carole wrote: "Jolina, it's so good to have you here! The Outcast was an unforgettable, read-again quality book for me, that perfect blend of strong writing, complex characterization..."Thank you so much, Loraine! Amos has a very special place in my heart as well. So glad Tyndale loved him, too! My Advanced Reader Copies for The Midwife (my second stand alone novel) should be here any day now. The Midwife officially releases in June. I cannot wait to share!
Cheryl wrote: "I agree with the Amos comments. His perpective gave such depth to the story.SPOILER COMMENT*****
The scene in the woods with Amos and Tobias at the end of the book was absolutely beautifully do..."
That scene in the woods is very special to me. My husband and I were going out for a date when I was struck with the image of Amos having one last chance to speak to his son. I got cold chills writing a lot of that scene. So much of this story feels inspired; one of the most incredible experiences of my life!
Well I agree with you Jolina, it was absolutely inspired because as a reader it was just so moving to read that God would allow Amos and Tobias one more moment to help his son in one last act in fathering his son in the right direction! It's fun to hear what's going on with the writer that leads to writing a scene like that! Wow, so neat!
I really liked Ida Mae. Right away you sense that she identifies with Rachel so you know there is a story there. Her story was not exactly what I expected but I liked how it was developed.
Sara wrote: "I really liked Ida Mae. Right away you sense that she identifies with Rachel so you know there is a story there. Her story was not exactly what I expected but I liked how it was developed."I loved Ida Mae! She was such a unique individual but had the perfect background experiences to be a mentor/mother to Rachel.
I just started this book.like it very much! I can't wait to dive in! I do like Ida Mae so far. She made me chuckle out loud a couple times. I can picture her I'm my mind. I'm curious to find out if the storyline is going to go where I'm predicting, or if there's a twist?! I'm glad I found this group. So many awesome suggestions on "my next favorite reads" so far!
Yes Ida Mae was a character, wasn't she? Her meeting as Sara mentions was incredibly providential, wasn't it? But isn't that just like God to send someone our way with just that right amount of grace catered to our very situation. She was a fun and spunky character though- not taking any guff from anyone :) I wonder if she was based on someone Jolina knew in real life....Jolina? :)
Stephanie- there was one twist for me that I didn't see coming- I'll tell you when you are done- I don't want to spoil it for you :)
I really liked this book! However, it does bring out an aspect of the Amish/Mennonite religions that is hard to understand as a Christian. The fact that when someone commits a major sin, they are told to leave the church. There is no mercy shown. This is a reflection on the religion, not on the book which was great.
Christine wrote: "I really liked this book! However, it does bring out an aspect of the Amish/Mennonite religions that is hard to understand as a Christian. The fact that when someone commits a major sin, they are..."I've always felt like the Amish/Mennonites seem to focus more on the Old Testament than the new testament. Jolina could you comment on that?
I'm loving this book so far! I find my self sneaking around every chance I get just to read a few pages! I even went to the gym and did the elliptical for 30 minutes to get some additional quiet reading time! I am looking forward to the twist in the story. I really like the character development. Especially Rachel and Ida Mae. I feel like I know them. Also, the dual narration is keeping the book really interesting. I don't think I've ever read a book in this style before. I'm eager to start reading The Midwife, also by Jolina. I may have found another favorite author!
Cheryl wrote: "Just curious if anyone feels like they want to revisit The Scarlet Letter and re-read it after finishing this book? That was sort of how I felt because it has been so long since I have..."Definitely. I remember reading in high school, but we don't need to consider how long ago that was! I do not read a lot of Amish fiction so I also feel like I need to read up on the differences. I only have 100 pages read, but I was very drawn in. I love the perspective of Amos and feel that the contrast with Rachel is quite effective for me.
Sara wrote: "I really liked Ida Mae. Right away you sense that she identifies with Rachel so you know there is a story there. Her story was not exactly what I expected but I liked how it was developed."
Ida Mae was easily my favorite supporting character. She was just great and added so much to the story!
Stephanie wrote: "I'm loving this book so far! I find my self sneaking around every chance I get just to read a few pages! I even went to the gym and did the elliptical for 30 minutes to get some additional quiet re..."
Totally know what you mean! This book isn't even my normal genre, and usually I can put contemparies down without too much trouble. But I did not stop reading The Outcast!! Just could not put it down!
Cheryl wrote: "Just curious if anyone feels like they want to revisit The Scarlet Letter and re-read it after finishing this book? That was sort of how I felt because it has been so long since I have..."
I have not read The Scarlet Letter, though I know the generally story line. Now I want to get a copy and read it!
Ida Mae was easily my favorite supporting character. She was just great and added so much to the story!
Stephanie wrote: "I'm loving this book so far! I find my self sneaking around every chance I get just to read a few pages! I even went to the gym and did the elliptical for 30 minutes to get some additional quiet re..."
Totally know what you mean! This book isn't even my normal genre, and usually I can put contemparies down without too much trouble. But I did not stop reading The Outcast!! Just could not put it down!
Cheryl wrote: "Just curious if anyone feels like they want to revisit The Scarlet Letter and re-read it after finishing this book? That was sort of how I felt because it has been so long since I have..."
I have not read The Scarlet Letter, though I know the generally story line. Now I want to get a copy and read it!
Loraine wrote: "Sara wrote: "I really liked Ida Mae. Right away you sense that she identifies with Rachel so you know there is a story there. Her story was not exactly what I expected but I liked how it was deve..."I love Ida Mae, too, Loraine and Sara and Cheryl! She's partly based on my mother, but don't tell her I told you that, or she will hang me up by my toenails! ;)
Stephanie wrote: "I just started this book.like it very much! I can't wait to dive in! I do like Ida Mae so far. She made me chuckle out loud a couple times. I can picture her I'm my mind. I'm curious to find out if..."So glad you're enjoying it, Stephanie, and I'm also so glad you found this group!
Christian Fiction Devourers
Books mentioned in this topic
The Headmistress of Rosemere (other topics)The Scarlet Letter (other topics)
The Midwife (other topics)
The Scarlet Letter (other topics)
The Scarlet Letter (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Kelly Long (other topics)Jolina Petersheim (other topics)
Please be mindful as you are discussing that some might not have finished the entire book yet so if you have a spoiler comment that might give away something big in the storyline to mark it with ****SPOILER**** and then make your comment.
I am going to post a few of the discussion questions from the back of the book, feel free to answer whichever question you wish. The first question I ask is my own though :)
1. Do you think that the dual first person point of view (POV) worked for this story being told by Amos' and Rachel's perspective? Did you hear both voices differently?
2. Why does Rachel agree to leave Copper Creek? Do you agree or disagree with her reasons? How do her feelings of guilt play into her decision? Have you ever been tempted to avoid an issuer or a loved one because of something you've done? How did you resolve it?- or is it something you still need to address?
3. Although Leah and Rachel are identical twins, their personalities are starkly different. How do their personalities change as the story progresses? In what ways do they remain the same?
4. (A general question) Did you enjoy this story? What did you like or not like and would you recommend it to a friend?