Horizons: May/June 2020

Reading is a form of prayer, a guided meditation that briefly makes us believe we’re someone else, disrupting the delusion that we’re permanent and at the center of the universe. Suddenly (we’re saved!) other people are real again, and we’re fond of them,” said writer George Saunders.*

For a pastime that is generally solitary, reading has an amazing power to connect people. Being introduced to (or reminded of) other people’s stories, experiences and ideas can be the spark that ignites our ability to treat others with love . . . or at least a little more understanding than what we began the day with. Particularly in these unprecedented times of social distancing, where we keep ourselves a safe distance away from others, we need that connection with others, that form of prayer that reminds us of all the other people in the world.

We connect to not just those represented in the books or articles, but to other readers. Reading something really inspiring, eye-opening or perspective-shifting makes us want to share it with others (even if that sharing needs to happen over the phone rather than over a table at a restaurant). That enthusiasm for discussing what we read is precisely why you are holding an issue of Horizons dedicated to reading. There are many best-seller lists, knowledge-able librarians and booksellers, but what about a source for books that speak to PW and the PW Purpose? Hence, this issue, “The Great PW Read”!

The contributors to this issue are all enthusiastic readers; they are advocates for reading and embody an approach to reading that is rooted in care, community and growth. Rosalyn McKeown-Ice reflects on how reading and literacy are (and have always been) foundational to Presbyterian ministries, and the urgent need to support children living in poverty. Beth Lyon-Suhring recom-mends books to help parents and caregivers introduce children to matters of faith. Jo Ann Burrell, Joy Durrant, Louise Van Poll and Marilyn Stone highlight ways and reasons to try a PW-based book club. And Julia Flynn Siler reflects on what she learned while writing a book about the beloved institution Presbyterians today call Cameron House.

You’ll find book suggestions throughout this issue. You will likely have many of your own! Share your favorites on Presbyterian Women’s Facebook page, email them to sharon.gillies@pcusa.org, or follow the suggestions for starting a book club and use the suggestions as possibilities for the inaugural read of your soon-to-be-started PW book club!

Enjoy the read!

* George Saunders, “What’s on George Saunders’ Bookshelf?” O Magazine, March 16, 2014; www.oprah.com/omagazine/george-saunders-favorite-books/all; accessed April 27, 2020.

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