Jo hosted our October meeting where we discussed The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. After general conversation and veggie soup, we sat down to discuss the book. It appeared that all in attendance loved the book, although Grace expressed some initial trepidation about reading a book that included the topic of slavery. Those in attendance were Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, Grace Nicholson-Maly, and Jo Smith.
Grace talked about how our country was supposed to have been built on freedom, but that we have had a really dark side, as well. Julie amended Grace's statement to say that our country was built on freedom for rich, white men and that this is something we still have not completely overcome.
A variety of members read quotes from the book. It seemed that there were an unending number of quotes that resonated with us. I am including a sample of the quotes that were read.
I'm actually not sure who read this quote but I think somebody read Israel Morris' comment to Sarah when she was traveling home after her father's death. "To remain silent in the face of evil is itself a form of evil."
Judy read a quote from Sarah after she and Nina were asked to turn down their rhetoric on women's rights so as not to diminish their message on slavery. "We don't wish the movement to split, of course we don't -- it saddens me to think of it -- but we can do little for the slave as long as we're under the feet of men. Do what you have to do, censure us, withdraw your support, we'll press on anyway. Now, sirs, kindly take your feet off our necks."
Annie had several quotes that she read including the message that Lucretia Mott sent to the Grimke's, "Press on, my sisters." and Sue Monk Kidd's recollection of theologian Mary Daly, who said, "Only women hearing each other can create a counter-world to the prevailing reality." Also, Handful's comment to Sarah, "My body might be a slave but not my mind. For you, it's the other way round."
Linda liked the author's note stating that she was inspired by the words of Professor Julius Lester, which she kept propped on her desk, "History is not just facts and events. History is also a pain in the heart and we repeat history until we are able to make another's pain in the heart our own."
Our November book is The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman.
Next meeting:
Location: Judy Lee's
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014
Time: 6:30pm
There will be no December meeting due to everyone being busy with the holidays.
January's book will be The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. The meeting will be at Annie Larkin's home.
