"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." ...Proverbs 4:23
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I gave-in and went online in 2000 and the first thing I did? I searched-out my favorite authors and their books and discovered 'book clubs' dedicated to them.
And because for 4 decades I'd looked for kindred spirits who loved the same quirky, mostly-forgotten books (and found nearly none), I excitedly joined lots of these discussion groups.
And soon regretted what I'd done.
Why? Well, I'd thought people would share what they appreciated about these authors and their books. I'd imagined they'd expand upon the books' best ideas, that they'd share helpful lessons learned, new bright, stretching thoughts and perhaps some delightful behind-the-scenes facts from further research.
And there was some of that.
But also? There were complaints about how the books could have been better (books I'd found perfect). And discussions of characters' dysfunctional traits took place, traits I'd never considered before, preferring to view peoples' best sides the most clearly, with hope of future change. Folks argued and also shared bad secrets from their own past, almost like a badge of honor. Oh dear.
It's as though these groups exposed a dark side of my best-loved books, a side I just didn't want to see, and sadly, I rarely reread these books today. It's been rather like Eve eating from the Knowledge of Good And Evil Tree---wow, she must've felt so very sorry once she'd viewed the flip side of beautiful.
Of course, some people would shake their heads, tell me to face facts, grow-up and realize book clubs are known for dissecting and 'busting books wide open' and that I should sign back up with them anyway.
But I've noticed something--the older I become, the fewer times people tell me what I should do--how I should vote or what carpet to buy or which preachers not to hear or that I should get a job, a dog or another child. Frankly, that's a joyful thing about nearing 60--people tend to tire of bossing you around over and over and watching you not listen, but instead, finding happiness in your opposite choices.
People who are bound sometimes resent those who are free. I've noticed that, also.
And what I'm thinking? Heaven has some like-minded, bookish souls who only wish to delve into glistening deep water of words and ideas, rather than the murky kind. I'll choose to wait for them. They won't find this type of book club silly, stifling or immature, either, but rather, long-awaited and glorious.
I know this.
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"Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!" ... Acts 5:29
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Free Kindle Books:
Vanilla Baked Murder
A Hope Revealed
Abandon Your Labels, Embrace Your Calling
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Oh my. This song is playing upon my radio. Always, it sounds so great.
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3 comments:
I agree, that would be sad to be in a book club devoted to a favorite author only to hear a lot of negativity about him or her. I joined the Anthony Trollope group on Facebook and it is full of praise for him and insights and is a friendly group. Come on over and check it out :)
Thanks, Terra! I'll definitely go and check out your group. I don't believe I've read any of his books so I need to look into those, also. Thanks again for the recommendation and for reading here!... Blessings, Debra
Debra, I hope you do read some Anthony Trollope novels. I have read about 10 since discovering him last year and enjoyed each one. Some in his FB group suggest starting with The Warden which I did, and then read all 6 in that series "The Chronicles of Barsetshire."
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