Discussion Guide Below But first, a message from Kathy, coordinator of the Boyd's Book Club in California.
Rita,
Just wanted to let you know the book was a hit! Your attention to historical detail was noticed by everyone. We are all in love with Seth, wish he was a real person. I have two unmarried sisters!
Juleah was a strong character that all of us could identify. It was WONDERFUL to see a woman portrayed in such a way instead of the weak and dependent Bella in the popular current trendy series that I personally feel, teaches young women a very wrong message.
Caroline's grief over the death of her son, cut to the heart. The importance of surrender to God NEEDED to be read by my unsaved sisters.
Great job Rita. I LOVE your style of writing, absolutely beautiful. I am keeping you in prayer. Please keep writing books like this I can buy for my daughter, daughters-in-law and all my granddaughters.
Thank you so much, God bless, Kathy
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Readers Group Discussion Questions
Surrender the Wind
1. How is the title of this novel symbolic? At what point in the story did the title Surrender the Wind have meaning to you? What does it mean to ‘surrender the wind’?
2. Discuss Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 and how this gives a prelude to the story.
3. To what extent does Seth’s upbringing as an American patriot shape his character? What changes take place in Seth from the prologue to the conclusion of the story? What kind of man would you describe him to be? Dutiful? Kind? Heroic?
4. Why did Seth find it difficult to forgive his grandfather? Were his reasons valid? Have you ever been in a similar situation where you found it difficult to forgive someone?
5. What were the reasons Seth hesitated to accept his inheritance? What were the reasons that compelled him to go to England? How did this it change his life? What made his inheritance a blessing? What made it a burden? Have you had times in life where you had plans, and then unexpectedly you are faced with a major change? How did you deal with these changes?
6. What expectations did you have for Seth and Juleah when they first meet? Did they fulfill them? What hopes did you have for their future together?
7. Seth was not expecting to fall in love with an Englishwoman. Have you experienced unexpected love?
8. In what way did faith get Seth and Juleah through their trials? How did faith strengthen their relationship?
9. What are Juleah’s strengths? In what scenes did she need Seth the most? Have you ever been in a situation where you realized you could not get through a trial alone and needed the person you loved the most to help you find your way back?
10. In the prologue when you met Edward Darden, what was your first impression of him? What did his character foreshadow? Did he ever gain your sympathy? What forced Juleah to change her mind about him?
11. For what reasons do you think the author left Darden’s mother nameless?
12. Finally, how did you profit from reading Surrender the Wind?
Go Deeper:
For an extended reading group guide click on this link. You can print this document out for your group members.
1. How is the title of this novel symbolic? At what point in the story did the title Surrender the Wind have meaning to you? What does it mean to ‘surrender the wind’?
2. Discuss Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 and how this gives a prelude to the story.
3. To what extent does Seth’s upbringing as an American patriot shape his character? What changes take place in Seth from the prologue to the conclusion of the story? What kind of man would you describe him to be? Dutiful? Kind? Heroic?
4. Why did Seth find it difficult to forgive his grandfather? Were his reasons valid? Have you ever been in a similar situation where you found it difficult to forgive someone?
5. What were the reasons Seth hesitated to accept his inheritance? What were the reasons that compelled him to go to England? How did this it change his life? What made his inheritance a blessing? What made it a burden? Have you had times in life where you had plans, and then unexpectantly you are faced with a major change? How did you deal with these changes?
6. What expectations did you have for Seth and Juleah when they first meet? Did they fulfill them? What hopes did you have for their future together?
7. Seth was not expecting to fall in love with an Englishwoman. Have you experienced unexpected love?
8. In what way did faith get Seth and Juleah through their trials? How did faith strengthen their relationship?
9. What are Juleah’s strengths? In what scenes did she need Seth the most? Have you ever been in a situation where you realized you could not get through a trial alone and needed the person you loved the most to help you find your way back?
10. In the prologue when you met Edward Darden, what was your first impression of him? What did his character foreshadow? Did he ever gain your sympathy? What forced Juleah to change her mind about him?
11. For what reasons do you think the author left Darden’s mother nameless?
12. Finally, how did you profit from reading Surrender the Wind?
