Play Book Tag discussion

Search by Michelle Huneven, is about a church search committee for a new minister of a Unitarian Universalist church. If that doesn't immediately appeal to you, would it help if I mentioned that the protagonist is a food critic? This turned out to be an excellent choice for the leadership tag, and it's great for the food tag as well. The book - but not the audio - includes recipes. It's been a few weeks since I listened to the book, and I've forgotten the food completely, but the restaurant visits were interesting. It's literary fiction, with a humorous side.

I don't know if this is a realistic church or not - it's very liberal and some on the committee object to the mention of God. The generational influences on the committee were fascinating. I've been on a lot of search committees (but never for a religious organization), and I loved the dynamics between the members. I was impressed by some of the issues that were included in the discussions, and appalled (in a way that made me laugh) by others. This story could have been very boring, but it goes off the rails in an entertaining way. The story offers a nice mix of serious issues and humor.

My rating wavered around 4 stars most of the time, but at the end, I bumped it up. The story was very well constructed, and appealed to many different sides of me. Even though it's often humorous, the book does an excellent job of highlighting some really critical hiring principles. (#1: Figure out what you really need in a candidate before you start the process.) I really identified with the protagonist's feelings about the process, but I also recognized myself at times in a few other characters. I found the religious discussions really interesting, and it got me thinking about what I would want. I didn't know that churches could be so completely different from one another. The book also showed some of the superficial things that people look for in leaders.

As a UU for over 40 years, I can tell you that the part about the church beliefs is absolutely realistic. Because we don't have doctrines dictated from a central authority, belief and practice can vary. Some groups are more traditional, with ministers in robes leading a "worship service". Some are totally lay-led and don't use the words "worship" or "God". Some members consider themselves Christians, others humanists, pagans, Buddhists, agnostics, atheists, etc. The types of sermons provided for the sample candidates are spot on. And the generational conflicts, although maybe a bit exaggerated, are accurate too. It was like I knew all the people in this book, and that was delightful.

In our defense, the author admitted that she had the committee do a lot of things that wouldn't happen, like having too many members, having a non church member, and so on. That was to make things more interesting and more amusing. I really like that it shows all the awkwardness of working in groups. Even if you don't attend church, you may recognize these dynamics from workplaces or other organizations.

I loved this book and recommended it to everyone in our church.

Robin P wrote: "As a UU for over 40 years, I can tell you that the part about the church beliefs is absolutely realistic. Because we don't have doctrines dictated from a central authority, belief and practice can ..."

Thanks Robin. That's really interesting. I'm thrilled that you liked it so much too, coming from a similar experience. I really could relate to ALL of the team/committee dynamics. People are people, and committees can take a lot of crazy turns. I really identified with Dana who was frustrated that she cared so much. I also identified with the trainer (Dana's long-lost friend) because I've done that kind of work, and because of their relationship. At various times, I've been the leader, the collaborator between two factions, the counselor, the girl who couldn't back down, the follower, the clueless man, and the boy who barely showed up.

My parents left the Lutheran Church when I was a child and most of my friends were Catholic or Jewish. It's hard to do this at my age, but this book has me seriously thinking of looking for a church now. This type of church might be a better fit than some of the more traditional churches I've visited.

I loved the book too. It is thoughtful, smart and fun. I'm glad the book is getting the attention it deserves.

Nancy, if you do decide to visit an UU Church, I'd be interested in your impressions.

The very few times I’ve visited a UU Church, I found it absolutely beautiful and welcoming. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law belonged to one. It was a really beautiful experience. The book sounds great, and that’s fabulous that it fits both tags.

Nancy, I am ever impressed that you try to combine them when you can. Sometimes, a tad will inspire me to read a book that I have really wanted to get to, but I can’t get to it in time. For instance, I couldn’t fit it into the month of December, but my next up book, locked up in the library, is Carrie Soto is Back. Would have been perfect for leader ship. Instead, it’s going to be my Nicole candle for five stars. Crazily enough, I might just knock off five or so candles in January. It just so happens that what I’m choosing to read fits a lot of things. I imagine I’ll slow down a lot. And it might put me back a little bit for Subdue. But not much. Anyway, I imagine this was a beautiful book. Good for you for recommending it to your community Robin. I bet a lot of UU communities are going to do the same.

UU's are famous for NOT proselytizing but you can look up Unitarian Universalist Association for general info. The fastest growing religious group in the US right now is "None" - that is people not associated with any specific group, though they may consider themselves spiritual. They might have been turned off by something that happened in their religious upbringing, or by the stance of some churches on LGBT and other issues, or they just didn't grow up with anything. But they still might want the community and a chance to discuss serious subjects. My group lost 3 key members in the last 2 weeks to illness, 2 rather sudden, plus others having family losses like mine, and the community has made a huge difference in both practical and emotional support.

One thing - UU's are BIG readers!

I think I knew it guessed that! About the readers. For you Robin, I am thrilled that you have a church community to support you. I think of you and of your beautiful daughter every single day. I am always an ever sending you love. Meanwhile, now we have to find you a good top 100 fiction book that you can stand. How are you feeling about snow child these days?

I think I will try it. I have so many lined up now for various new challenges and games so it will probably be a while till I get to it. I do appreciate the suggestion - and thank you for your support!