Christian Fiction Devourers discussion
Archived Group Reads 2014
>
January Additional Group Read Discussion
date
newest »
newest »
Loraine wrote: "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 m..."Very interesting, Loraine. I would say that Mennonites and Amish adhere to the Old Testament more than the New only in the fact that they adhere to many laws (dress, no electricity if they're Old Order, haircut, length of hat brims, ect.) rather than the grace presented in the New Testament. Ephesians says it better than I can: "…8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
Cheryl wrote: "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 fa..."And it is very fun to share! :)
Rebecca Morstan-Watson 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..."Rebecca, thank you very much for your precious comments and support. It means so much to me!
Kalena 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..."Love your name, Kalena! Thanks so much for taking time to read my book and comment here. :)
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..."With a toddler, I know ALL about trying to sneak in some reading time, Stephanie. Thank you for doing that. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! :)
Jolina wrote: "Kalena 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..."It has been a very long time since I've read the Scarlett Letter. I do remember it having a profound impact on me. Maybe I will read it again someday. There was also a movie made in 1995 starring Demi Moore. Not as good as the book of course, but it was worth watching.
Jolina wrote: "Loraine wrote: "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 som..."Thanks for responding Jolina. I have always gotten the impression that the Amish/Mennonites have focused more on the law than on grace.
Stephanie wrote: "Jolina wrote: "Kalena 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 ..."I will have to watch it, Kalena. Thanks for the suggestion!
Loraine wrote: "Jolina wrote: "Loraine wrote: "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 fac..."Most welcome, Loraine. I love chatting with readers! There are also those in the Mennonite and Amish church, like my late grandmother Ada, who have a true relationship with the Lord. I wanted to portray that through Amos's perspective, as he provides Rachel with grace, whereas Tobias provides law.
Jolina wrote: "Loraine wrote: "Jolina wrote: "Loraine wrote: "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 Chr..."It was nice to see the opposing perspectives through Amos and Tobias' eyes.
Jolina- I would imagine it had to be a bit tricky to write the Leah and Rachel storyline- twin sisters, betrayal and yet deep love and forgiveness as well- did you struggle to find the right balance with writing because I thought you did well at portraying all the different emotions going on between the two.
I'd like to echo Cheryl's question as well! When I attended your session, I asked about whether you knew Leah's secret from the beginning or was it a surprise and you said it was a surprise - can you elaborate on that as well? It appears to be such an organic part of the story and very natural (although shocking, ha), but at the same time, something that would require a lot of inner strength to put into the story.I just remember we couldn't talk much about it at the SoFest of Books because it was a spoiler, hehe ;)
I wasn't nearly as interested in this book as my sister was, but she recommended it. I read it and was blown away! I usually do not read Amish/Mennonite fiction, but I'm very glad that I made this book the exception. I enjoyed reading the story, and can't help but wish that I could continue to connect further through book about Ida Mae. Regardless, I surprised myself by really enjoying this book.
Cheryl wrote: "Jolina- I would imagine it had to be a bit tricky to write the Leah and Rachel storyline- twin sisters, betrayal and yet deep love and forgiveness as well- did you struggle to find the right balanc..."You know, Cheryl, I actually didn't have a lot of trouble writing the tension between Rachel and Leah. I don't have a sister, but I have two brothers who are very different, and I am in between them. I have witnessed sibling rivalry in our family (mostly when we were younger) and in other families as well. I am always a people watcher! It all came together when I began to create their lives, almost like they were creating themselves. Lovely experience!
Beth wrote: "I'd like to echo Cheryl's question as well! When I attended your session, I asked about whether you knew Leah's secret from the beginning or was it a surprise and you said it was a surprise - can y..."It was a complete surprise! I knew that Rachel's mother had manipulated the union between Leah and Tobias, but I had no idea that Leah had taken part in this manipulation as well. Sweet little Leah, of all people! But once I saw the guilt in Leah's life, I struggled to understand it. (Oftentimes, these characters take on a life of their own!) Then I realized that she felt she was partly to blame for the sorrow that happened--that she was just Tobias's "replacement" wife for the one he truly wanted. Plus, this made so much sense with their being identical twins, but yet so different in their personality makeup. I love the psychology regarding who we are and what makes us tick. It was very intriguing to watch the story come together.
Sarah wrote: "I wasn't nearly as interested in this book as my sister was, but she recommended it. I read it and was blown away! I usually do not read Amish/Mennonite fiction, but I'm very glad that I made this..."I'm so glad The Outcast was a pleasant surprise, Sarah! Always good to hear! I dearly love Ida Mae as well--maybe one day I will write her story, too. :)
I thought it was really interesting that you made the sisters identical twins. It really does delve into the psychology of it, because it was so much more than physical attraction. This makes it more thought provoking!
Jolina, I think we would all like to read Ida Mae's story. Good idea!!!
I agree! I'm hoping that's a true spoiler comment made by Jolina :)
Sara wrote: "Jolina, I think we would all like to read Ida Mae's story. Good idea!!!"Yes! Ida Mae is a story all in itself!
I finished this page turner in a a week. It was a very good story from page one, and well written. It just goes to prove there aren't any perfect people with perfect lives. Everyone has a story to tell.
I cant wait until Jolina's new book "The Midwife" comes out.
Stephanie wrote: "I cant wait until Jolina's new book "The Midwife" comes out."
I am anxiously awaiting for that book to come out!
I am anxiously awaiting for that book to come out!
Rebecca Morstan-Watson wrote: "I thought it was really interesting that you made the sisters identical twins. It really does delve into the psychology of it, because it was so much more than physical attraction. This makes it ..."Thank you so much, Rebecca! And so glad you enjoyed that twist. :)
Cheryl wrote: "I agree! I'm hoping that's a true spoiler comment made by Jolina :)"Maybe one day--I'll have to tuck that idea away in my book drawer. :)
Stephanie wrote: "I finished this page turner in a a week. It was a very good story from page one, and well written. It just goes to prove there aren't any perfect people with perfect lives. Everyone has a story t..."Thank you, Stephanie; I am ALWAYS intrigued by people's stories.
Rebecca Morstan-Watson wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "I cant wait until Jolina's new book "The Midwife" comes out."I am anxiously awaiting for that book to come out!"
My next book baby is releasing June 1. I am so excited to share this story with you all as well! The Midwife
I have to say that I wish the story could have continued. I keep wanting to know more about Judah and Rachel's lives, how Eli is doing, that sort of thing. I love how a writer can really make a reader WANT the characters to be real people. Thanks for this book. It's been a wonderful blessing.
I agree Jill! I think that's a sign of a great writer though- they always leave you wanting to know just a little bit more- and leave room for our imaginations to take over :) I loved this book as well- so well done!
Here's a questions for everyone- did you have a favorite scene in the book?
My favorite scene was when Ida Mae took care of Rachel. Rachel was worn out from being at the hospital with her son, selflessly giving her all to him. When she finally returned home, she was just so exhausted and Ida Mae selflessly took care of her. She bathed her, dressed her and put her to bed. This brought tears to my eyes. Sad and happy. Sad because life is hard sometimes, and happy because love conquers all. Rachel showed unconditional love for her baby, and Ida Mae, almost a stranger, showed unconditional love for Rachel when she needed it most. I can only hope that when it comes my time to display this kind of love, GOD gives me the grace to do it.
On a lighter note, Ida Mae had me rolling when Rachel found her eating the chocolate pie on the kitchen floor after doing the raw veggie diet with Rachel for so long!!! That was hilarious! I definitely know how she felt! I love me some chocolate, or anything sweet really!
I loved the line "Don'chew'udge me". Very funny!I can't tell you how often I feel the same way.
Stephanie wrote: "On a lighter note, Ida Mae had me rolling when Rachel found her eating the chocolate pie on the kitchen floor after doing the raw veggie diet with Rachel for so long!!! That was hilarious! I defini..."I loved the scene as well. I am a lifetime Weight Watchers member and have found myself doing something similar when I just need a "pig out"!
That was definitely a funny scene, and I could see myself doing that also!
I wish there was a "like" button her on Goodreads like on Facebook because I would be liking all of your comments about that scene- I agree!
Jill wrote: "I have to say that I wish the story could have continued. I keep wanting to know more about Judah and Rachel's lives, how Eli is doing, that sort of thing. I love how a writer can really make a rea..."I appreciate that so very much, Jill! Those characters are real and dear to my heart as well. Maybe one day I'll write a sequel. ;)
Stephanie wrote: "My favorite scene was when Ida Mae took care of Rachel. Rachel was worn out from being at the hospital with her son, selflessly giving her all to him. When she finally returned home, she was just s..."That scene between Rachel and Ida Mae really touched my heart as well. They have such a unique chemistry, and often seemed to write the scenes themselves. And that fudge pie scene really brought a lot of comic relief during a dark time--I sometimes laugh even when life becomes hard, just because laughter is such a medicine!
Cheryl wrote: "Here's a questions for everyone- did you have a favorite scene in the book?"I am having a complete chick moment, but I loved the images of Judah and Rachel so much as children that when Judah came back and found Rachel at the hospital and they finally kissed...well, I'm just a sucker for that kind of thing.
I also laughed at the chocolate pie part. So funny and real. :)
Now that I have been done with the book for a couple of days, the hopefulness of the story has stuck with me. I do recall feeling somewhat depressed after reading The Scarlet Letter. I think that it is important to remember there is always hope, especially hope for salvation. The scene where Amos descended really spoke to this...he was my favorite character. It is so wonderful when novels can tackle difficult subjects, flawed characters, struggles of daily life and still leave you feeling hopeful.
I agree Kalena- hands down that was my favorite scene in the book when Amos had that one last chance to see his son- it truly touched me!Well it is time to archive this thread- although feel free if those that got a hold of this book a little late want to keep discussing. I will be opening the new discussion thread up for discussion of this month's book -
Special thanks to Jolina for popping in and giving us her great insight on writing this wonderful book. This is tied for first of my favorite books read so far this year!
I felt the scene with Amos descending was the crux of the entire book and it was my favorite as well.
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)
Great viewpoint, Christine. My husband's grandfather, Amos Stoltzfus, was shunned by the Amish church when he was seventeen, and he suffered from that rejection all his life. Though Mennonites don't overtly shun, sometimes people are still ostracized within the community for their wrongdoing. I have witnessed ostracism amid Christian communities as well. I guess we just always have to view people's sin in light of what God has saved us from.