Finally, it was time to catch the bouquet. I refused to go out onto the floor for fear of making a fool of myself. But just after the brides made the toss, Trina pushed me out there. Jewel's flowers landed right on my head and then plopped into my fumbling hands. Chris looked at me, smiled, and blew me a kiss. I regained my composure, looked up again, and said a silent Thank You once again for all my answered prayers.
READING GROUP COMPANION
unday Brunch is meant to serve readers with a fun, sassy storyline while also dishing out plenty of spiritual food for thought. Here are some questions designed to provoke discussion and gentle debate about the characters and the impact Norma Jarrett's debut novel has made on your life. (Be sure to also check out “The Sunday Brunch Experience,” a list of fun activities for book clubs, which immediately follows the reading guide.)
What emotions did you experience while reading Sunday Brunch? What parts of the novel connect to your life?
In what ways are the characters alike? Different? Why do you think they remain so committed to each other and their Sunday brunch ritual?
What are some of the spiritual battles Lexi faces? Why does she think it's her responsibility to support and pray for all of her friends? Why doesn't she feel more comfortable sharing her needs with them?
If you were Lexi, how would you have dealt with Reggie and Kyle?
Why do you think it took so long for Lexi to meet the police officer, Chris Reynolds?
Is Jermane being realistic about her needs? What advice would you give Jermane regarding her dilemma with Naegel? Do you see the kiss that they shared as adultery? Why or why not?
Why does Jewel struggle with finding her true purpose? How does God work in her life, compared to the other characters?
What is it about Kevin that made him give the spoiled Jewel a chance? Why is her ultimate response to him so positive?
Why does Capri have such a hard time opening up to Anthony? What do you mark as the true turning point in their relationship?
Many career-oriented women struggle with the same issues that Capri does-striving to maintain a healthy balance between work, family, personal goals, and romance. If you were Capri, would you risk your career for a man? Do you agree with her choices?
What motivates Angel to give her life to the Lord? What will be some of her obstacles in becoming a devoted Christian?
Based on the issues they bring to the table at the beginning of their relationships, what potential challenges do you think each couple will face in their future?
What do you think the primary struggles are for young single women and their faith walk? What situation in Sunday Brunch best represents a situation young singles must face?
Has Sunday Brunch influenced your prayer life in any way? Has it made you think differently about prayer? If so, how?
What was the significance of exploring the different levels of spirituality in each character?
What actors could you see playing each character in Sunday Brunch—The Movie? (Make a female and male wish list!)
Has Sunday Brunch made an impact on the relationships in your life (platonic, romantic, professional, and familial)? Describe how and discuss.
THE SUNDAY BRUNCH EXPERIENCE
unday Brunch isn't just a novel. It's a celebration of friendship, love, and spirituality. In that spirit, here are some creative ways to indulge in the Sunday Brunch experience individually or as a book club:
Have your book club attend worship service together and then have your meeting over Sunday Brunch.
Have your very own Sunday brunch and cook the food mentioned in the book.
To make your brunch even more fun, dress up like a character from the book. Imagine what each character would wear and how they'd act.
Select a book-club member as an “accountability” partner for prayer, goals, and other commitments.
Keep a prayer journal. (Feel free to use some of Lexi's prayers as inspiration.)
Put your individual prayers on a piece of paper, fold them up, and place them in a box or jar. Release the tension and worry surrounding the request. Go back after some time and see what God has done!
Pool your talents for a community-service project once a year.
Commit to a walkathon as a book club. Read a book beforehand and discuss it along the way. You'll work your mind and your body.
As a book club, select one member to honor at each meeting as a “person of the month.” Give them cards and a symbolic gesture of friendship and support. It'll give your members something to look forward to and make each member feel extra special.
Have an awards ceremony once a year for your reading group and hand out certificates for “Most Dedicated Reader,” “Most Timely,” “Most Technical Reader,” “Most Dramatic,” or any other humorous awards you can think of.
Plan a “girlfriend” retreat at a spa or have a grown-up slumber party at a hotel. Also, scout publications for literary retreats, which are popping up everywhere. (www.atlanticbookpost.com is one site to try.)
If you are like Lexi (a nonstop giver), you need to have a “me” day. Have an adult time-out and set aside a day or evening for yourself. Don't take any calls. Invest in one or two extravagant bath goodies and escape to a luxurious bath, eat a favorite dessert, and then read something that isn't related to work for pure entertainment.
If you're like Jewel, you may need to do a “financial house cleaning.” Attend a seminar and take a realistic look at your spending and saving habits. Many churches offer free financial seminars. Start with the basics. Don't just admire that friend with financial savvy-ask for her help!
Sign up for a discount book-club rate at a local bookstore.
Sponsor an author to come visit your book club. It's easier than you think. Try getting in contact with the appropriate publisher's marketing department or contact an author via e-mail if they make their online address available.
For all of the all-female reading groups, invite the men in your lives to a special book-club meeting and select a book they may be interested in, just so they can see what all the fuss is about. (Men play a prominent and positive role in Sunday Brunch, so the guys in your life might have a lot to say about it.)
Make up a recipe book with each book-club member submitting her favorite recipe.
Commit to reading at least one book dealing with another culture.
Have T-shirts, bookmarks, or other personalized items made with your book-club name or logo.
Use the main city mentioned in a book as a theme for your book-club meeting.
Have a mother-daughter book-club meeting one month. Have tea with games and goodies to keep it fun and interesting.
Send friends and family handwritten “love notes” on handpicked or personalized stationery. It's nice to be thought of and to get something in the mail besides bills.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
orma L. Jarrett is a native of Neptune, New Jersey, and currently resides in Houston, Texas. She is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Ms. Jarrett is an active member of Lakewood Church, where Joel Osteen is the pastor. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has written and self-published Coffee Table Quotes for the Contemporary Christian. She has also completed a second novel and continues working on other creative projects.
Published by Harlem Moon, an imprint of Broadway Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
Copyright © 1998, 2004 by Norma L. Jarrett. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. For information address Broadway Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
HARLEM BOOKS, BROADWAY BOOKS and the HARLEM MOON logo, depicting a moon and a woman, are trademarks of Random House, Inc.
Visit our website at www.harlemmoon.com
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All quotes from Scriptures taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Jarrett, Norma L.
Sunday brunch : a novel / Norma L. Jarrett.
p. cm.
1. African American women—Fiction. 2. Female friendship—Fiction. 3. Church membership—Fiction. 4. Christian women—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3610.A77S86 2004
813′.6—dc22
2003056939
eISBN: 978-0-307-54766-8
v3.0
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