Everybody Say Amen

In this sequel toLet the Church Say Amen, the lovable yet troubled Jackson family is eight years older but hasn't lost its penchant for drama. Oldest son David is off drugs and trying to pull his life together, but a visit from his ex-girlfriend brings shocking news that will change his life forever. Younger brother Jonathan is locked in a heated custody battle with his ex-wife, who is still struggling to come to terms with Jonathan's sexuality. Family patriarch Simon, now retired and still shaken by his wife's passing, slowly wades into the dating pool. At the center of the novel is tempestuous daughter Rachel Jackson, who has (mostly) tamed herwild ways and settled into marriage with the newly appointed reverend of Zion Hill, Lester Adams. Although Rachel is a reluctant first lady, she plunges into her job with aplomb, debating with self-righteous church elders and forming a group for troubled teenagers. But when her first love Bobby confesses a surprising secret, Rachel's commitments to her family and her church are severely threatened.Questions for Discussion1. We learn at the beginning of the novel that Rachel has changed a great deal over the last few years. Her mantra is, "You are a strong, mature woman who has left those childish ways behind you. Whatever you do, do not act a fool." How do the events of her past continue to affect her life? How do our past experiences continue to shape us, even if we try to forget them?2. It is apparent that throughout the course of the novel Jordan has behavioral problems. Why might Jordan have been acting out? How are the children in this novel affected by the actions of their parents and other family members?3. Did you think Angela's family's reaction to Jonathan's homosexuality was realistic? How do you think you or others you know would react in Angela's situation?4. Simon tells Rachel, "You don't treat that man like you should...I know you didn't agree with your mother's philosophy that the man should be in charge of the household, but can you at least make himfeellike he is?" Do you agree with Simon? In your experience, what is most important in making a relationship work?5. Discuss Rachel. Did you sympathize with her? If you read the first book about the Jackson family,Let the Church Say Amen, do you feel differently about her after readingEverybody Say Amen?6. What did you think of Bobby? Could you understand his behavior? Do you think he should have forgiven Rachel when he first learned of her affair? Do you think he wronged Shante?7. Rachel admits that in the past she attempted to physically harm Shante and stop her marriage, and Bobby admits that he never loved Shante as much as he loved Rachel. What did you think about Shante's decision to set Lester up? Could you understand her point of view?8. Near the end of the novel Twyla tells Rachel, "They say you reap what you sow. Maybe it just took yours a little while to come back to you." Where else does this theme appear in the novel? Do you believe this is true?9. Did you agree with Rachel's choice to return to Lester? Do you think she was able to genuinely forgive him? If not, do you think she should have given in to her feelings for Bobby?10. What do you think about the end of the book? Does it change your opinion of the choice Rachel made to return to Lester? Do you think Mary was telling the truth? What do you think will happen next?11. How is forgiveness an important theme in this novel? Consider the relationships between Tawny and David, Angela and Jonathan, and Rachel and Bobby.12. Could you relate to any character more than the others? Did you feel that any character was the novel's moral center?Billingsley, ReShonda Tate is the author of 'Everybody Say Amen ', published 2007 under ISBN 9781416521655 and ISBN 1416521658.