The companion book for our next series, “Jesus was woke,” was written by Marilynne Robinson. She won a Pulitzer Prize for her bestselling novel, Gilead, which also became a selection for Oprah’s Book Club.
Robinson has honorary degrees from Brown University, the University of the South, Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Amherst, Skidmore, and Oxford University. She was also elected a fellow of Mansfield College, Oxford University.
Gilead takes the form of a long letter written by Reverend John Ames, a 76-year-old Congregationalist minister, to his seven-year-old son. Ames is dying of heart disease, and he wants to leave behind a written record of his life, faith, struggles, and hopes for the boy who will grow up without him.
Through these letters, Ames tells the story of three generations of preachers in his family. His fiery abolitionist grandfather, his pacifist father, and himself. He recalls the moral and spiritual tensions that shaped their lives, particularly around questions of justice, forgiveness, and grace.
If you choose to follow along, I suggest using the following schedule:
| Sundays | Pages | Themes |
|---|---|---|
| October 26 | 1 – 60 | Light |
| November 2 | 61 – 120 | Memory |
| November 9 | 121 – 180 | Grace |
| November 16 | 181 – 230 | Belonging |
| November 23 | 231 – 247 | Love |
I invite you to take your Gilead experience deeper with our weekly devotional guide. Each week pairs passages from the novel with Scripture, reflection questions, and prayer prompts. Our goal is to help you notice the overlooked, reflect on God’s presence, and live fully awake in your daily life. The guide can be used for personal study or small-group discussion.
We’ll have a few used books available for purchase for $6 or new for $10. Additional new copies of the paperback edition are available through Amazon for $10.35, and used copies in good condition start at $8.15. This book may also be available at the local library. Note that the weekly reading guide uses a paperback edition with no chapter divisions and 147 pages.
Our Book Club does not meet as a group. However, our weekly messages reference that week’s chapters. You can anticipate spoiler alerts unless you keep up with the pace. You can purchase your own copy or visit your local library.
You can contact our office with questions by phone or simply type your question or enter a prayer request on our website’s homepage — FlintAsburyChurch.org.
Pastor Tommy
Marilynne Robinson. Gilead. NY: Picador, 2004.