Our first community discussion was held last night in the Tilford Auditorium and in case you missed it>>>it was a great success! Just under 20 people gathered to chat about the book We Hope You Like This Song by Bree Housley. Deb Vaughan acted as our moderator for the evening and we thank her immensely for both her expertise and insight!
Deb began by telling the group, “Every reader is going to take something different from [We Hope You Like This Song].”
She then read a poem by Margaret J. Wheatley titled “Turning to One Another” which began with–
There is no greater power than a community discovering what it cares about.
And ended with–
trust that meaningful conversations can change your world. rely on human goodness. Stay together.
“There are things to be reckoned with in this book,” Deb told the audience.
A variety of topics were discussed during the hour-long discussion, from the feelings the book brought to mind to the themes it addressed to the many resolutions the author made in an effort to honor her best friend Shelley following her untimely death.
Overheard during the discussion:
“Losing someone you love is a universal experience.”
“I appreciated the song references, it made me think of friends I’ve lost through the years.”
“I suspect authors forever have been trying to keep people alive.”
“[the book] reminded me of my best friend–we can not talk for months but still be just as connected.”
“I’m reminded how all of our griefs are connected…in the end, it’s a choice that we make…there’s so many ways to get to healing…no two grief journeys are the same.”
Many in the audience agreed the book was a form of therapy for the author herself, a way for her to work through things following the death of her best friend so unexpectedly.
Following the discussion, attendees were asked to peruse the planned 12 months of themes and activities for the community to participate in–similar to the resolutions Bree completed.
The first two months themes have been planned as follows:
November: Thankfulness
Write a thank you note for seven different people. Thankful for our small businesses! Shop local, go to a movie, etc.
December: Act Like a Kid
Organize caroling, games, roller skating, sledding, etc. Dream BIG: share your dreams.
The December event ‘Adult Skate Party’ is set for Sunday, December 1 from 5-7pm at the Vinton Skate Center located at 1703 C Avenue. You’re invited to attend! Bring a friend! And if you have any ideas for the playlist to accompany the event, please reach out via the blog (comment below) or our Facebook page.
We hope you’ll join us here on the blog & in the greater community during the next year as we work to celebrate one month/theme at a time–much like Bree celebrated her love for Shelley!
One Book, One Community, Benton County 