Discussion Questions
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One Bedford
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Discussion Questions |
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"'I'm here because Drew isn't,' I told my professor on the first day of seminary." (p.56) What do you think of Kate's decision to become a minister?
Kate admits that before serving as chaplain to the Maine Warden Service, she had little idea of what the position entailed. (p.62) Did you know the role that game wardens play prior to reading Here If You Need Me? Were you in a situation that required the Warden Service, would you want the assistance of a chaplain?
Although Drew was employed as a Maine State Trooper, Kate writes that he planned to begin a second career as a minister. Have you ever considered changing professions? If so, what new occupation would you choose?
In the Author's Note, Kate writes that her favorite definition of the Greek word logos is 'story.' Of the many stories Kate tells from her role as Warden Service chaplain, which was your favorite?
"Modern culture does not encourage us, let alone require us, to take care of the bodies of our dead...Why is it that we have not evolved to tolerate and, in some senses, to actively require the experience of personally preparing and burying the bodies of those we love?" (pp 24-25) What did you think of how Kate handled her husband's body after death?
In his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder (2005), author Richard Louv argues that kids are so plugged into television and video games that they've lost their connection to the natural world. What role does nature play in Kate's memoir?
Kate writes, "I am sometimes asked whether my employment as chaplain violates the separation of church and state. After all, I am present at search scenes, the sites of drownings, the front doors of the suddenly bereaved not as a social worker or a crisis counselor. It's written right there on my shirt: I'm Reverence Braestrup." (p 103) Kate gives us her thoughts on why the Warden Service needs a minister, but what are yours on this topic?
Like wolves and deer, human beings are social beings, yet most of us have some need for solitude. Some of us will actively seek isolation in nature. Has this drive for solitude in nature ever appealed to you?
Kate concludes a discussion with her children on the inherent dangers of her job when she dons a Kevlar vest with this observation: "the most dangerous thing I do as a chaplain is also the most dangerous thing Mike does as game warden... and is doubtless the most dangerous thing you do too. We drive." Why do many of us perceive that other activities are more dangerous than driving?
What do you think of the way Kate concludes her book, leaving the ending unclear for the lost woman with Alzheimer's? Why does she do this?
What did you think of this book as the selection for 'One Book, One Bedford'? Do you have any suggestions for next year?
Contact: V. Abraham
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