Great Things

Thanks to Judy who hosted this month's meeting.  We enjoyed a delicious pot-luck and friendship.  Judy noted that our discussion of the book "Small Great Things", a story revolving around the death of a newborn boy, was coinciding with the Day of the Innocents, when people of Latin heritage honor children or infants who have died.  So appropriate! 

Such an interesting book which dealt with morals, ethics and racism.  The characters were well developed and some were quite gritty - not at all your best friends.  White supremacy versus Hippocratic oath.  "There's a hierarchy to hate, and it's different for everyone."  Eye opening.  We all have a degree of racist thinking, not matter how hard we try to not be racist.  "Is it better not knowing the ugly truth, and pretending it doesn't exist?  Or is it better to confront it, even though that knowledge may be a weight you carry around forever?"  All this interspersed with beautiful prose. 

As a society, how will we ever move beyond our current mindset?  Barbara suggested that we always ask a question about how the other person feels; that's how you learn.  Otherwise you won't know how this person feels.  Jodi Picoult's books always have a surprise twist at the end.  My reaction as I neared the end of this book was "Bravo Jodi!  I didn't see this coming!"  Any book that makes you reflect on yourself and shows you something that can be improved upon is worth it's weight in gold.