Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.
To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:
- Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
- Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
- Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
- Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
- What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?
Below are my thoughts on chapters 4 & 5.
Which character struck you the most in the chapters? Why?
Angelo Salvato, Fr. Tom's "ex-con sidekick", because he does not allow his past to define him but he also does not shy away from it. He uses his experiences and knowledge as an ex-con for good, like in did in "Stolen Blessing" and not in "Self Portrait" to help the authorities solve a mystery. We all have second chances in our lives so let us make the most of the chances.
Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
Billy because of his devotion to his wife, Mary, to his job as a police officer, and his selflessness toward Kenny Green, the shooting victim whom Billy donated his O-negative blood.
Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
Certainly it would be Detective Brooks and his reaction when he found Fr. Tom & Angelo at his crime scene. I would invite you to read "Stolen Blessing" (https://www.jimsano.com/stolen-blessing) to fully appreciate Detective Brook's comment: "What's odd is me discussing another case with a priest and his ex-con sidekick" (p. 37-38).
Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapters? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
Not explicitly, but I liked how the team of investigators took a break from work and went to Dempsey's Pub for lunch and fellowship. God did not create us to be alone but part of a community of faithful to help each other along the way. I would invite you to read "The Father's Son" (https://www.jimsano.com/thefathersson/2016/8/14/the-fathers-son-a-novel-in-process) to read how Dempsey's Pub was the setting for the conversion of David Kelly, with the help of none other than Fr. Tom.
What do you find most compelling about the chapters? Why?
I really enjoyed how author Jim Sano described in-depth how the team of investigators walked through the crime scene, replayed what happened, and worked together to solve the mystery.
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