The theme of community was very strong in both books.

It felt like an add-on. The story was compelling without the 'destiny', and I wasn't really interested in whether or not they met that destiny. When I think about both books, the 'destiny' doesn't even register for me. The relationships, building community, the struggle was more important to me.

Taken literally, it would mean not just "Jerry, no" but also no Jerry.

March 2025, to be exact.

We discussed POTS earlier this year, so if you'd like to catch up with both, there are no deadlines as far as participating.

I will confess I spent an inordinate amount of time writing and rewriting emails when I was working. Some of it was to have documentation to show I wasn't insubordinate because I've had supervisors who liked to make things up.

We read banned or challenged books. Many books have been challenged, especially those with fantasy like titles. I can't remember what list I found it on but probably a public school.

I think there are many (helpful and cautionary) - the verses throughout both books highlight much of what we should be applying to our lives. Climate change, elections, how we treat others, community, beliefs, expanding our world.

We're reading:

Main ingredient—hope. Support that hope by investing in community, building resilience, and encouraging people to follow their skills and interests through education.

Not exactly related, but when I was in grad school in my early 20s, I had a professor who I could only understand what he was talking about while drunk, maybe because he was drunk all the time.

I'm a visual person, so I get it.

Why Lauren believed in giving people purpose.

Fits with "God is change."

Ignorance is a difficult enemy.

I felt like Marcus preached for his own benefit while Lauren cared for others. She was always thinking ahead and looking for ways to save people and give them a purpose, even ones she just met.

I was pleased there was more hope than not in Talents, even with the horrors.