| Book Discussions
Each semester our program offers colleagues the opportunity discuss a common text with themes relating to vocation, faith or spirituality. These discussions aim to engage colleagues in the intellectual exploration and spiritual integration of their work at the College.
Spring 2010 faculty/staff book discussion
Jon Hassler's, North of Hope.
The novel opens with Frank Healy, then sixteen years old, going to the movies in Linden Falls, Minnesota, his hometown. The film is A Portrait of Jennie and it’s the first movie “in at least ten years to make Frank cry.” In the film Jennifer Jones tells Joseph Cotton, “There is no life until you find love, Eben. Then life cannot be lost.” Frank takes that message to heart as if it were gospel. But he spends the next several decades of his life trying to determine what love he is meant to live. Is it with Libby Girard or is it as a priest? How should Frank determine what his true calling is? And what should he do if he feels equally drawn to both?
Along the way, Hassler introduces us to a cavalcade of characters. There’s Monsignor Adrian Lawrence, the priest whose nickname is “loving kindness” and who serves as a mentor and surrogate father for Frank. There’s the meddling Eunice Pfeiffer whose life dream is for Frank to be a priest. There’s Libby’s very troubled daughter, Verna, who’s trapped in self-destructive cycles. There’s Judge Bigelow, the crude and malevolent proprietor of The Homstead Tavern. And then there’s the weather. Throughout the novel, everyone comments on how cold it is, wondering if the warmth will ever return.
All too often, the characters of this sprawling novel seem “north” of hope. Many of them have suffered too many defeats, too many setbacks, to have much energy for life. And too many of them have been beaten down by the evil of others. But in exploring the tangled narratives of their lives, Hassler reminds us of the power of love and goodness, particularly how love can melt hearts frozen solid by despair, and how the most unlikely persons can renew our confidence in life. As Frank Healy struggles to discern his calling, Hassler suggests that perhaps the fundamental vocation of every human being is to bring light and goodness to life in the world.
Review by Paul Wadell, Professor of Religious Studies, St. Norbert College
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Next Discussion:
April 6, 2010
Noon-1:00 in the Union Room 101A or 3:30-4:30 at the Alumni House.
The Program of Faith, Learning & Vocation provides each participant with a copy of the selection upon receipt of registration.
Please register online or call DeEtte Radant at the Office of Faith, Learning and Vocation at (920) 403-3155. Please register even if you have a copy of the book. A separate registration is necessary for each book discussion.
If you have suggestions for future selections, please e-mail Paul Wadell or call him at (920) 403-3084.
Archive of past selections
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