The BBCE
- Jul 13, 2020
- 2 min read

The BEST 24th Episode Ever : "The Book of Longings"

Updated: Jul 15, 2020

What if Jesus had a wife? In this fictional book by Sue Monk Kidd she allows our imaginations to go there and weaves a beautiful narrative of what ifs. “The Book of Longings” gives an excellent description of the political and social relations that were happening during Jesus's life. Sarah leads us on a journey where we discuss the mind, soul and body in addition to other aspects of the book.

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Book club questions

What did you think of Ana’s question “Did they believe making him celibate rendered him more spiritual?” Sue Monk Kidd mentioned that there has been a centuries-old division between spirit and flesh, in which sexuality is viewed as unholy. What do y’all think?
What do you think was the most human thing about Ana and Jesus’ relationship?
Was there ever a time in the book where you felt like you were Ana?
The Therapeutae is a historically accurate community in Egypt during the time of Jesus, what would have been your favorite aspect of that lifestyle?
There were several times that Ana put others in danger or herself because she felt it was the right thing to do or it seemed the only way to get what she wanted. Was there a time you think you would have chosen differently?
Did you have any aha moments or things that made you think about something in a different way?

Sarah ended this episode with this meaningful monologue :

In closing this week's podcast, I must say that the three of you embody Yaltha to me. She is described in the book like this “Her mind was an immense feral country that spilled its borders. She trespassed everywhere.” Sue Monk Kidd said in an interview with Penguin Random House that these were probably her two favorite sentences in the whole book. She said that Yaltha acts as Ana’s stand-in mother, soul friend, guide, and spiritual midwife. I cannot think of a more beautiful way to communicate to you three how meaningful you are to my life. I am learning to be free because you are teaching me to be.

I know, right?!! Isn't she just the sweetest? And at this point ALMOST all of us were in tears. Holly, we are coming for you! ;-) __________________________________________________________________________________