Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

Happy December, everyone! I can't believe it's already this time of year. I think Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh is a perfect read for this month, and I look forward to the discussion.

Goodreads summary: Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.
Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.

Discussion Questions (spoiler alert - these questions assume you have already read the book):

1. Rick, the main character, is obviously the one “Remembering Christmas.” What were the most significant ways the Christmas he remembers changed his life?

2. JD, a homeless man, is one of the key characters in the book. Before reading this, what was your general attitude about people in his situation? Did your perspective change by the end of the story? How?

3. Did you see the romance coming between Rick and Andrea? What do you think most attracted Rick to Andrea? What would you say caused his heart change toward her daughter, Amy?

4. Initially, Andrea is very resistant to Rick’s interest. Do you agree with her reasons? What do you think had to change for her to begin to see Rick in a new way?

5. At the beginning of the book, Art collapses with a life-threatening illness. At one point after his surgery, complications set in and he almost dies. But Father Charlie prays and, after that, Art experiences a miraculous turnaround. Have you ever experienced something like this or know of any miraculous answers to prayer?

6. One of the book’s main features is the animosity in Rick’s heart towards Art, his stepfather. What do you think fueled this? Can you think of any Scriptures that speak to how Art’s attitude and conduct turned this situation around?

7. The story is set in 1980. If you are old enough to remember life back then, did the book stir any fond memories? What are some of the things we take for granted now that no one had even heard of then?

8. Which of the interesting “regulars” who came into The Book Nook was your favorite and why?

9. Did you have a favorite scene in the book? What made it your favorite?

10. There’s a significant twist near the end of the book. Did you see it coming? If so, what gave it away for you? If not, how did it affect you?

These questions were pulled from http://danwalshbooks.com/

Great book, I read this last year. Enjoy!

I will admit I started it before December, so I am finished. Loved it! Not so predictable or, dare I say, corny as many Christmas books.

That's okay, Barb! I read it over Thanksgiving :) I just haven't had time to come back and answer the questions!

Reading this now and hope to finish it today. I am liking it so far.

I'm up to chapter 32, really enjoying it. It's hard to put down once I start reading.

I was a junior in high school during the holiday season of 1980, when this book is set. I'm enjoying the cultural references to that time; I remember using pay phones, and I also watched Trapper John MD on TV.

I just finished this book and loved it. So many things I could comment on. I've never been to Disney World but did go to Disneyland a few times, the last time being around 1981. I do remember those tickets - A through E. I think that a package of tickets included only one or two E tickets, those were for the best rides, and it was difficult to chose just one or two. I think that numbering system has been changed in more recent years.

I'm almost done, will probably finish it tonight.

I thought it was interesting when one of the characters was using carbon paper to make notes to pass out to customers; something that could be done in just a few minutes using a computer today. I remember using carbon paper; I bet it would be hard to find, if they even still make it today. I think the author did a good job of blending the references to the 80's into the story.

#10 the "significant twist" near the end. I did not see it coming at all. Without saying what it was, I just thought Wow!!!

Rick, the main character, is obviously the one “Remembering Christmas.” What were the most significant ways the Christmas he remembers changed his life?

(view spoiler)[ I think realizing how badly he treated Art, and deciding to make up for that, and he also stopped blaming his mother for his father leaving. He also realized that while he made a lot of money with his career, that money does not buy happiness. (hide spoiler)]

3. Did you see the romance coming between Rick and Andrea? What do you think most attracted Rick to Andrea? What would you say caused his heart change toward her daughter, Amy?

(view spoiler)[ Yes, I did see it coming, but it didn't take away from my enjoyments of the story. I think the fact that Amy wasn't impressed by his money or his career attracted him, besides just the fact that she was attractive. I think Rick had this preconceived idea about kids, because before Amy, he had not gotten to know any children that well. (hide spoiler)]

10. There’s a significant twist near the end of the book. Did you see it coming? If so, what gave it away for you? If not, how did it affect you?

I did not see it coming, but I thought it was well done!

10. There’s a significant twist near the end of the book. Did you see it coming? If so, what gave it away for you? If not, how did it affect you?

I also didn't see this one coming. A clever plot twist at a good time in the book. Nicely set up too. I love to read a twist in a story and have it fit so well with the rest of the book.

2. JD, a homeless man, is one of the key characters in the book. Before reading this, what was your general attitude about people in his situation? Did your perspective change by the end of the story? How?

I felt that we got to see many sides of JD - more than a stereotype of a homeless man. We saw the many dimensions of homelessness throughout the book which made me care about JD and appreciate the complexity of his situation. Very real. Especially the issue of mental illness.

I wondered what others thought of the way that Dan Walsh portrayed the homeless population.

About JD;

(view spoiler)[ While I thought it was sad that JD died without apparently knowing who Rick was, I thought it was realistic and true to life. Sadly, so many of the homeless that are mentally ill do not get the help they need; they need more than just food and a safe place to sleep. (hide spoiler)]

#10: I think I did see the twist coming (don't ask me how, but I can usually see those coming). I remember thinking about it as Rick chased JD away and again when Rick tackled him in the park.

I just finished the book, loved it! I think JD was a good portrait of the homeless and how so many of them suffer from mental illness. Did not see the twist, but do wish that the author had revealed a little more of JD's past and the circumstances that lead to him being homeless.

Anna wrote: "I just finished the book, loved it! I think JD was a good portrait of the homeless and how so many of them suffer from mental illness. Did not see the twist, but do wish that the author had reveale..."

I agree, Anna, I would love to know more about JD's past. There's another story there.

1. Rick, the main character, is obviously the one “Remembering Christmas.” What were the most significant ways the Christmas he remembers changed his life?

I think the most significant way is that he decided to follow Christ, or at least was headed in that direction. He realized the value of his mom & Art, which would change the dynamics in his family forever & he made the decision to move back home. So, all round, he realized what was most important.

2. JD, a homeless man, is one of the key characters in the book. Before reading this, what was your general attitude about people in his situation? Did your perspective change by the end of the story? How?

The city my husband works in has a large population of homeless people, so my outlook was already somewhat softened toward them. As with anything, it's not good to generalize or stereotype an individual in the same mold. Some are moochers and create trouble, but a lot genuinely have problems and no one is able to care for them. They are doing their best.

3. Did you see the romance coming between Rick and Andrea? What do you think most attracted Rick to Andrea? What would you say caused his heart change toward her daughter, Amy?

I did see the romance coming, it was probably the most predictable aspect of the book, but then again, I'm not sure readers would want it to be otherwise. I think he was attracted to her because she was a genuine, sincere person and so different from the women he "dated" in the past.

4. Initially, Andrea is very resistant to Rick’s interest. Do you agree with her reasons? What do you think had to change for her to begin to see Rick in a new way?

I do agree. She had a daughter to put first, so it was important that she didn't make the decision lightly. I think his heart had to change completely, and he had to show that he was committed to living a new life, which I believe he cemented by moving home.

5. At the beginning of the book, Art collapses with a life-threatening illness. At one point after his surgery, complications set in and he almost dies. But Father Charlie prays and, after that, Art experiences a miraculous turnaround. Have you ever experienced something like this or know of any miraculous answers to prayer?

I can't think of anything miraculous, but I do think that God protected my husband while he was deployed. There were a couple of close calls that he and several others were almost killed, and I know that he was being protected from that.

6. One of the book’s main features is the animosity in Rick’s heart towards Art, his stepfather. What do you think fueled this? Can you think of any Scriptures that speak to how Art’s attitude and conduct turned this situation around?

I think it was fueled by anger at his father leaving him. Art's attitude and conduct exemplified loving one another & treating others how he would want to be treated. He loved Rick through it all, even when he didn't deserve it.

7. The story is set in 1980. If you are old enough to remember life back then, did the book stir any fond memories? What are some of the things we take for granted now that no one had even heard of then?

I was born in 1988, so no memories are stirred ;) Although I do remember life before cell phones and now even kids have them. I got one when I was 16 and didn't even want it, haha, my mom just made me get one because I was driving.

8. Which of the interesting “regulars” who came into The Book Nook was your favorite and why?

I loved the two ladies that Rick first met, how they played off one another was so funny.

9. Did you have a favorite scene in the book? What made it your favorite?

I don't know that I had a favorite scene. I did like the end scene where Rick moved home; it was really sweet without being too cheesy.

10. There’s a significant twist near the end of the book. Did you see it coming? If so, what gave it away for you? If not, how did it affect you?

I actually did not see it coming! It was very poignant and once again reminded me that you shouldn't judge anyone no matter what their situation in life.

Shari wrote: "About JD;

[spoilers removed]"

I completely agree, Shari!

Anna wrote: "I just finished the book, loved it! I think JD was a good portrait of the homeless and how so many of them suffer from mental illness. Did not see the twist, but do wish that the author had reveale..."

Yes, that is exactly what I thought! And I wanted to know more about why he talked to "Taylor"

Anna wrote: "I just finished the book, loved it! I think JD was a good portrait of the homeless and how so many of them suffer from mental illness. Did not see the twist, but do wish that the author had reveale..."

I agree, I would have liked to have known that too, and why it led him to leaving his family.

Shari wrote: "About JD;

[spoilers removed]"

Great book - just finished it this afternoon! I agree, Shari, I would have liked to have known more about his past. Obviously his mental illness played into his homelessness, but would have liked to know more.

Oops, sorry my very first post on this website. Meant to address it to Anna!

Slow start, but last 60 pages flew. I enjoyed the ending, except the store being demolished! Also, shows that a demonstration of faith...as in Art and Leannes daily walk via their store and interactions with others attracted others to Christ...their fragrance so to speak! Great models!
KH

K wrote: "Slow start, but last 60 pages flew. I enjoyed the ending, except the store being demolished! Also, shows that a demonstration of faith...as in Art and Leannes daily walk via their store and interac..."

I thought the store being demolished was sad too - I had this hope that Rick would take over the store and it would keep going, but I know that's unrealistic.

That part made me feel sad also, but I liked how the author opened the story with Rick reflecting on how his time there changed his life.

I really enjoyed the book and would also like to see another book about JD. His story has to be great. I also loved Amy. I know that God answers prayer and have witnessed it many times in my life.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the discussion!