Recently, some friends and I started a book club. I have been wanting to be a part of one for years now. I love to read, and I love the idea of expanding my horizons and reading things that I normally wouldn't. I also just love having another excuse to get together with my girlfriends and drink wine. Well, book #1 of Book Club didn't disappoint on any of these expectations.
Book #1 - Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff
Sounds like a self-help book, right? This book came highly recommended to our book club founder who thought this light and presumably uplifting read would be a perfect kick start to our club. It was pitched to the group as a collection of stories from one man's life who has found the ability to push himself beyond his comfort zone and live life to the fullest through love for each other and the world around us. It wasn't until we all purchased the book and got past the foreword that we realized this book was about finding and living for Jesus to enrich your everyday life. Woops! For a group that isn't overly religious (or religious at all for that matter).. this could have been a major bust. Well, not entirely.
The general consensus was that the bible thumping and zealous praise of "Him" distracted from an otherwise positive message and model for living a fulfilling and inspiring life. For me personally, I didn't mind the heavily religious undertone. I know a few people that would really enjoy it and I may recommend it to them. I took more issue with the writing style, and I found myself unable to relate to many of his stories. He is obviously a very wealthy man and has the ability to act on his impulses and do things at the drop of a hat. Like, for example, taking his 10 year old daughter to London on 3 days notice to have high tea in a palace, just to show her that no wild idea is beyond her reach. Well, I'm sorry Mr. Goff, for the vast majority of us out here in the real world, there are some wild ideas that ARE beyond our reach. Love does you say, but apparently Love does require some deep pockets.
So, while I can take a step back and appreciate the message of this book, it fell a little short for me and a lot short for some of the other girls. Never-the-less, it did generate some interesting discussion and new ideas amongst us. So for that, book #1 was a success. Still, my final grade for Love Does would have to be a C- ..... Love probably does, but this book just doesn't for me.
Our next book is
Americanah, "a story of love and race centered around a young man and woman from
Nigeria who face difficult choices and challenges in the countries they
come to call home."
I can tell you that this book selection didn't get my vote, but I guess I'm getting what I asked for and expanding my horizons.
If anyone has recommendations for books to add to our list, please let me know.
