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Children Of God
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
From the acclaimed author of The Sparrow comes a new, extraordinarily imaginative SF novel which continues the powerful, moving story of Emilio Sandoz, the charismatic Jesuit priest who led the well-intentioned but catastrophic mission to the distant planet of Rakhat, and journeyed to the furthest reaches of the human soul.Now, in Children of God, Father Emilio Sanchoz returns and - against his will - is forced to continue his quest for the meaning, if any, of God's plan. Dazzlingly imaginative, philosophically provocative and immeasurably entertaining, Children of God is a must-read for fans of The Sparrow, and a startlingly fresh adventure for newcomers to Mary Doria Russell's special literary magic.
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review
ImperfectCJ
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Bailedbailed

I'm crying "uncle" on this one. The world-building is phenomenal, but like with Star Wars episodes 1-3, I really can't get interested in the politics and economic details. I hate DNFing a #bookspin title, but here I am.

Tamra I was so disappointed with this one; she should have left it with The Sparrow. That reminds me I could really reread it! 4mo
48 likes1 comment
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ImperfectCJ
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Sunset isn't great reading light, but it gives a nice break from the intensity of the tagged book. I read The Sparrow years ago, and I'd forgotten just how brutal it was until I started this one.

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Susanita
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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I‘m about 1/3 through the tagged book and a couple chapters into Ten Women. I decided to bail on The Silence of Bones, since somewhere along the line I lost the thread. I also finished Romantic Comedy and The Hobbit. I need to add back another mystery, based on the whims of Libby.

That‘s 4 books so far for the readathon.

#RushAThon
#ReadingTheAmericas2023
#CampLitsy
#LotRChapterADay

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 7mo
43 likes1 comment
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Susanita
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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So far for #RushAThon I‘ve finished two books, and now I‘m working on these three plus #CampLitsy and #LotRChapterADay stuff.

DieAReader ❤️‍🔥🥳📚🤓 8mo
Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 Interesting to see what you make of Children of God, seems to get mixed reactions after the first book. 8mo
45 likes2 comments
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CuriousG
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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So it has been a *rough* month, but at least I have a few moments to get started on my re-read of this book, before I have to go to work. This isn't exactly the light reading material I need right now but the characters and plot are so familiar it is still a good choice for not producing anxiety.

AmyG Hope things get easier for you. 11mo
dabbe Hoping May brings you much happiness. 💙💚💙 11mo
CuriousG @dabbe @AmyG thank you both so much - I appreciate your kindness! 11mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Sending lots of love!! ❤️ 11mo
25 likes5 comments
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quietlycuriouskate
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

If ever a world was in need of Tesco's "Plant Chef" range, it was surely Rakhat!
Seriously though, these books wreck me... and it's great. I read The Sparrow some years ago and still think about it often. I put off reading this sequel as I was afraid of being disappointed and couldn't bear to send Emilio back to Rakhat. Well, my fears were unfounded and, I think I can say without a spoiler alert, there's a whole world to suffer over. Brilliant!

TrishB Great review 👍🏻 1y
33 likes1 comment
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CuriousG
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Work is insane in ways I can't cope with right now, so digging into everything familiar...same old reading chair, nothing but re-reads, and same cute pup next to me. He's even named Meelo after a character in The Sparrow and this novel. I hate feeling so overwhelmed, but at least I can read without taking in any more new information

ShelleyBooksie Meelo ♡♡♡♡♡ Sending some "chill" vibes your way ♡ 1y
BookNAround I‘m sorry you‘re feeling so overwhelmed but you sure do have a cute reading friend. And these Mary Doria Russell books are so good! 1y
15 likes3 comments
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CaitlinR
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

I read The Sparrow for the first time last year, and was blown away by the power of the story of a Jesuit led first contact with non-human species; like watching a train wreck caused by conflicting visions. There were times during the sequel when I had to stop reading as it appeared the same thing would happen again. I was amazed how the Jesuits had learned to hear beyond their own beliefs and how Russell could resolve past pain and tragedy. Hope!

CuriousG I love both of these books so much - have read them so many times my copies are falling apart 3y
Lcsmcat I‘ve been afraid to read this one for that reason! 3y
mjdowens The Sparrow broke me. I don‘t think a book has ever affected me the way this book did. I still think about it. Still need to read the other one, but I am a little scared 🤣 3y
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rubyslippersreads I haven‘t read these, but loved 3y
Tamra I loved The Sparrow and panned the sequel. Those were enormous shoes to fill. 💜 My expectations were probably too high. 3y
CaitlinR @rubyslippersreads Thanks for the recommendation of Doc—I‘ve put it on hold it the Library. 3y
25 likes6 comments
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CuriousG
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Day 4 of #12booksof2020

Piggybacking off of yesterday's pick, today is Children of God (sequel to The Sparrow). Also a re-read that I do almost every year, I love the continuing story of Emilio Sandoz. Emilio is one of my favourite characters ever - even named my dog after him (Meelo).

Cinfhen This was an EXCELLENT read!!! I read it as a #buddyread with @Andrew65 3y
CuriousG @Cinfhen I didn't like it quite as much as The Sparrow, but it was still excellent! I've read them both so much they have started blending together into one in my brain. 3y
Cinfhen Yes!!!! That‘s true ....The Sparrow was MUCH BETTER / I sort of blended them too 😜 3y
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Andrew65 @Cinfhen It was a great #Buddyread. Loved this book. 3y
Andrew65 @CuriousG Agree, The Sparrow was the better book. 3y
rwmg @CuriousG @Andrew65 Children of God couldn't exist without The Sparrow, but I found reading The Sparrow was enriched by reading Children of God 3y
Andrew65 @rwmg I‘d agree with that. 3y
CuriousG @rwmg 100% agree! 3y
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review
Gdsjenny
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

This was a good completion to The Sparrow. The first book left me with all kinds of feels so I had to take a substantial break between, but this one was worth the read. It was still very emotional and the timeline took some getting used to, but I picked it up quickly enough.

mjdowens I finally bought this one but have not read it yet. The Sparrow shattered me so much, I am almost scared to pick it up. Never had a book get to me like The Sparrow. 3y
Gdsjenny Same @mjdowens It took a while to recover from the first one. This one has hard parts and parts that make you want to throw it across the room, but it‘s not as shattering as the first. 3y
mjdowens @Gdsjenny good to know this one is not as hard on the feelings LOL 3y
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CuriousG
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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"Sweating and nauseated, Father Emilio Sandoz sat on the edge of his bed with his head in what was left of his hands." #firstlinefridays

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CuriousG
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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"Cynicism and foul language are the only vices I'm presently capable of. Everything else takes energy or money."

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Jen2
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

Beautiful story.

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CuriousG
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Meelo's finally napping (yes - he sleeps upside down), so time to sneak in a few pages!

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CuriousG
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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This pup and associated lack of sleep/downtime is making it impossible to concentrate on new info, so I've decided to dip into familiar stories/characters instead. Let's hope his nap lasts long enough to make it worthwhile!

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suvata
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

Jesuits in Space, Part Two. If you have never read The Sparrow then you probably have no idea what I am talking about. These are both excellent science fiction books with a touch of religious philosophy. I would definitely recommend reading The Sparrow before going on to Children of God; not that it‘s totally necessary. I just liked The Sparrow a wee bit better.

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Kristelh
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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#TBR keeps growing. A short month and short on reading time

CafeMom Did you have a good time on your trip? 5y
Kristelh @CafeMom it was exhausting and no time to read. Disney world with granddaughters and daughter but a good time! 5y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

Finished my first book for the #24B4Monday #Readathon. Read this one with @Cinfhen and @CatLass007
This is overall a very good story told across The Sparrow and this one, but at times it felt like walking through treacle (Molasses) in this book. Overall the story would be a pick but the book somewhere between Pick and So-So. Hindered I feel by jumping around in time which for me spoilt the flow. Be better as a linear story.
Up to 15 hrs 22 mins.

Tamra I was so disappointed with this sequel. But I think part of the problem was I read it immediately after Sparrow. I should have waited a bit. 5y
Cinfhen I agree, there were parts of the story that really dragged and the jumpy timelines were a terrible device for this particular story. However, the ending was satisfying and there are some unexpected surprises that I really liked!! As a stand alone this book would only be 2.5 stars but if I include it with The Sparrow it‘s 3.5 @Tamra @CatLass007 @andrew65 5y
Cinfhen The Sparrow was a much better story and more definitive. The message was stronger and a little less preachy. 5y
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Andrew65 @Cinfhen I agree with your views and the scoring. The book should (and could) have been so much better! Really sad and happy at the ending when he got back to Earth. With family at the moment but at some point over the next day will post final questions. @CatLass007 5y
Andrew65 @Tamra I agree, but not sure a delay between books would have helped, at least in my opinion. Just written in a complex way which not easy to read, if it had been written in a linear way it would have been so much better. I have to say I was disappointed with it in the end. 5y
Cinfhen Enjoy family time!! 5y
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CatLass007
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

A beautiful story about sin, hatred, anger, forgiveness and redemption. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cinfhen So glad u read this with me ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen It was a pleasure. I‘ll get around to answering yesterday‘s questions soon. 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen It‘s been great reading it with the both of you. I hope to get the last section read this weekend. 👍😊❤️ @CatLass007 6y
Cinfhen I can‘t wait for the final discussion @Andrew65 Thanks so much for taking the reigns and leading our exploration💞💞💞 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Cinfhen The first earth visit really shook that apple cart....I‘m not sure, who‘s to say change wouldn‘t have come about but the first visit 💯set that ball in motion @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
Cinfhen I found this reading section and the last one a little dry and not so easy to get through. But the last section & coda really was great and ultimately brought the book back up to a pick. Can‘t wait for final discussion and final thoughts @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Cinfhen Conflict & war is never simple and NEVER about one thing...Sofia really began a revolution when she said “they are few, we/you are many” This was about MORE than achieving freedom, it was about dominance @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Cinfhen Because of the book title, I assumed all the “children” would survive and they would ultimately “create” or bring about some kind of new world or change, so this move didn‘t surprise me. @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Cinfhen I assumed Isaac just wanted to be left alone but I never feared for him, nor did I suspect he wouldn‘t want to return. I wasn‘t surprised that Ha‘anala went looking for him. @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Cinfhen I think he needed to be off the drugs. And there was no kindness in any part of drugging & dragging this man back To Rakhat. Even if the ends justify the means the whole kidnapping was cruel and in my opinion unnecessary. @CatLass007 @andrew65 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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We are a bit behind on this read but will post the questions for week 4 in a few moments under a spoiler alert.

#ChildrenofGodBuddyRead #MaryDoriaRussellBuddyRead #ChildrenofGod

CatLass007 Sounds good. 6y
39 likes1 comment
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Cinfhen
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

I‘m swamped!! So NOT the #BestDay but I‘m taking it all in stride🤪I did finish this book earlier today. I‘m glad I read it and overall I found the story & conclusion very satisfying. I think I enjoyed The Sparrow a bit more as this book felt “preachy” & the non linear storytelling was confusing & jarring. I thank my buddy-readers who kept me on track with their lively & insightful discussions which really enriched my reading. #SeptemberDanes

Andrew65 Still working my way through this, it hasn‘t become the easiest of Reads with it‘s disjointed nature and as you say it‘s increasingly preachy nature. 6y
Cinfhen I know @Andrew65 I had to reread a bunch of chapters because my brain wasn‘t processing all the info overload I was getting. It does tie up nicely and I teared up a bunch of times but this book felt like a chore at times @CatLass007 6y
Cinfhen I won‘t be available for questions tomorrow night (another Jewish holiday) so no need to panic if you aren‘t caught up on the reading @Andrew65 6y
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Cinfhen Hi @Susanita I think you commented in the wrong post 😛 6y
Susanita That‘s where it went! 6y
Susanita Okay I deleted it. Nothing to see here!😳 6y
CatLass007 Finished Chapter 32. Will continue to read til I catch up with you, @Cinfhen . Thoroughly enjoying it. 6y
Cinfhen Hahaha @Susanita 😂😂glad you‘re enjoying @CatLass007 can‘t wait until u get to the end!!! Get your tissues out😭😭😭 6y
Cinfhen Em, do u want this book??? @emilyhaldi I‘m happy to send it your way 🧚🏻‍♀️🧚🏼‍♂️🧚🏻‍♀️ 6y
emilyhaldi @Cinfhen you're the sweetest but your review makes me wonder if I even do want it? 🤔😆 6y
Andrew65 I‘m up to the end of Chapter 30, and just about to start chapter 31. @CatLass007 @Cinfhen 6y
Cinfhen Up to you @emilyhaldi but I‘m happy to spill the beans on the good stuff if u don‘t feel like reading the book 💛 6y
130 likes13 comments
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CatLass007
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Back to this. Must read through Chapter 32 by Sunday. Wish me luck.

DivineDiana Good luck! 🙂 6y
Sace 🤞 6y
readordierachel Best of luck! 6y
Andrew65 Hope it‘s going well! 6y
85 likes4 comments
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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CatLass007 Sandoz has to return to Rakhat to bring peace and reconciliation between the three races. The question I ask is Will he? 6y
Cinfhen I‘m curious too to see how this story plays out @CatLass007 @Andrew65 I think for the Priests they NEEDED Sandoz to return to Rakhat to justify God‘s brilliance and divinity. They must believe that there is a larger purpose and they want to see it fulfilled. I think for Sandoz too, he needs closure with God. 6y
Andrew65 I struggle with some of the religious angle in this book. Some of the religious people have behaved in a bad way. IMHO I don‘t see how this event is a sign from God. People using it for their own means. @Cinfhen @CatLass007 (edited) 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen @CatLass007 It will be interesting to see how it ends. 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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CatLass007 I think the rebellion would‘ve happened eventually, had there not been an earth expedition to Rakhat, it just happened sooner than if there hadn‘t been such a mission. 6y
Cinfhen I don‘t think any kind of rebellion would have existed if it wasn‘t for the first mission. The Ruhna‘s seemed content to accept their role in life. It was Sofia who inspired them to step up and fight!!! @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen @CatLass007 The mission was most definitely the cause for it. I assume it may have eventually happened but decades if not centuries in the future. The people saw what was possible and were given hope. 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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CatLass007 It‘s a little confusing, but it still makes me wonder what happened. It makes me wonder even more. 6y
Cinfhen Totally disliked this section ~ it took me out of the story and it was difficult for me to pick up the book and read on. I felt like the author did an info dump and just regurgitated a ton of info. It is confusing and I‘m not sure why she chose this approach 😩 @CatLass007 @Andrew65 (edited) 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Totally Agree. Too much chopping and why take us to the end of the story and give us some spoilers! It didn‘t help my picking up of the book, and yet I loved the previous section. 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 Yes I have found all this jumping around totally confusing. A linear story would have been so much better. 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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CatLass007 I‘m sure this crew is just as complex and interesting as the first crew. But we‘re too busy hating Ironhorse to find out much else about the others. They all seem to hate Ironhorse as well. The only crew member I‘m really interested in is Sandoz. 6y
Cinfhen I agree @CatLass007 It‘s hard to feel invested with any of these crew members 😡😳 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Time was spent getting to know the first crew before the mission, and you loved them before they went. This didn‘t happen in this book so didn‘t really get to know them or get invested in them. To be honest I don‘t really care what happens to them but Danny Ironhorse needs to come to a sticky ending! 😈 @CatLass007 you are right to say Sandoz is the only one I care about and I am missing Gina who I did become invested in. 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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CatLass007 This is absolutely horrible that he was kidnapped! Daniel Ironhorse is so cold. He and his co-conspirators, I mean. But only Ironhorse will find out if it was truly meant for the good. The others will take it to their graves. 6y
CatLass007 I thought Sandoz would rebel, Fight them tooth and nail. And he did at first. But because he has been drugged, There‘s nothing you really can do. 6y
Cinfhen I disliked the kidnapping ploy @CatLass007 and I hated that it was Gina‘s ex-husband...total rubbish @Andrew65 I found this plot device unbelievable to the story 🤨😖 6y
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Andrew65 @CatLass007 I agree, a totally horrific and unforgivable act. It‘s not like he kidnapped him for a weekend because of the time effects he actually stole his and Gina‘s life and took him back to where horrific things were done! 😭 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen I would agree I definitely think she should have found another way to write him going back, this actually upset me big time! Not even a goodbye scene. 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 As you say he tried to rebel but would never lead to turning the ship around so little he could do. 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Apologies for the delay in posting the questions for week 3, been a difficult couple of weeks. I will post them very shortly under spoiler posts.

CatLass007 I have read only through chapter 24. It‘s been a difficult week here, too. Are we postponing the discussion for section four Until next week? I would really hope so. 6y
Cinfhen I‘m sorry everyone is feeling overwhelmed with real life. I‘m happy to push our discussions off for a week or more if needed. I‘ve read the next section but I don‘t remember much as I read it 3 weeks ago 😜even your questions today were a bit fuzzy for me 🙄 @CatLass007 @Andrew65 Thanks so much for taking the lead and posting the discussions 🙌🏻 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 I‘ve only read up to Chapter 24 so far too, so it seems sensible to postpone week 4 discussion until next Sunday. If you need a bit more time @CatLass007 let us know. I can say from my own experience life does have a habit of getting in the way! @Cinfhen 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen I read over half of the section in the last 24 hours and it was still fuzzy for me. It was that sort of section, not sure how much it took the story forward with all it‘s jumping around! (edited) 6y
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Cinfhen
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Finished my reading for this week & next ... I‘m a little disappointed with these sections. Story is starting to feel like Game Of Thrones ( lots of different houses, some pillaging and other nasty stuff😬 I‘m curious to see what my buddy readers think.

Cinfhen Just a heads up @andrew65 @CatLass007 the Jewish New Year begins Sun evening & ends Tuesday evening, I‘ll be offline for those FULL 48 hours 😬😩😜 so I won‘t be able to discuss until Wednesday ❤️ 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Have a great time! We look forward to speaking to you in the New Year! 👍🍾🎉 @CatLass007 6y
Cinfhen Haha 😂 it never gets old @Andrew65 thanks for the New Year well wishes ☮️ 6y
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Andrew65 I‘m a bit behind on this section, sorry about that. 😔 I‘ll aim to get them posted for the end of the New Year Celebration period. @Cinfhen @CatLass007 @SledgeReader 6y
CatLass007 @Andrew65 That works for me. 6y
Cinfhen No problem @Andrew65 looking forward to catching up @CatLass007 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen Happy New Year and welcome back! 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Thanks past week been very intense and big work commitments with strict time frames! Happy New Year 🎉🥂🍾🎈 (edited) 6y
Cinfhen Thank you @Andrew65 @CatLass007 May this year bring us all peace, prosperity and good health ☮️💟 (edited) 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Thanks, but also need some extra time in the day at the moment too! 😂 Hopefully this will be a great year for you, your family and loved ones. 6y
Cinfhen And a few extra hours of reading time would be fabulous @Andrew65 Hope things have settled down at work... 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Thanks, dizzying this week, not even much of a presence on Litsy! I agree totally about feeling disappointed in week 3‘s section. Section 2 finished on quite a cliffhanger and don‘t really feel things taken forward much in this section and too much jumping around with the timeline. I wish this had been written as a linear story. (edited) 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Thanks for contributing to this week‘s discussion.

#COfG #COfGBuddyRead #ChildrenofGod #ChildrenOfGodBuddyRead

Do you have any other thoughts, comments or questions about Week 2‘s Read?

Now go! Week 3‘s section awaits : Chapters 18 - 24. 😊👍

Cinfhen I‘m not sure how I feel about the new mission recruits ?!! Do you guys have any feelings about them? 6y
MichelleScott_author This book is amazing. Such a complex story. 6y
Andrew65 @Coffeeshopreviews Totally agree, enjoying it a lot more than The Sparrow. You should join us when we have the final discussion. 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen I‘m not sure we are getting to know the recruits well enough, and they certainly haven‘t grown on me! I think Daniel Iron Horse was quite horrible with Sandoz when he talks about him carrying a disease. Hasn‘t he put up with enough already. Can‘t get over what appears to have happened between Sandoz and Gina. 😭 This has been my favourite section of both books so far. Can”t wait to read on. 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 Great discussion! Can‘t wait to see what happens next. 6y
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Andrew65
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Cinfhen This part totally surprised me. I‘m convinced he went back but I‘m thinking it has something to do with Sofia ( perhaps another message was sent). I don‘t think he would have abandoned Gina. I‘m not paying good enough attention to the years, and this book shifts time a lot so I‘m confused by the jumpy timelines. Are u following the years @CatLass007 @Andrew65 ? 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen This was a real shocker but did see it coming! Why wouldn‘t he leave a message or contact her if he was going back and what changed things so it all happened so quickly. Can‘t wait to read on to see exactly what happens! It appears he treated her so badly in this and this doesn‘t seem like him! Was he kidnapped? If not he is not the man I thought I knew.. @CatLass007 6y
Andrew65 I agree totally @cinfhen it is hard to keep up with what, when and where and even more so when they use that phrase Earth Relative. @CatLass007 6y
CatLass007 @cinfhen @andrew65 I was shocked by this development. I can‘t believe Sandoz would leave Gina without an explanation. She must feel so abandoned and betrayed. Although I do believe Sandoz would not abandon Gina willingly. I did expect him to return to Rakhat somehow. 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 This is very strange! Can‘t believe he just disappeared like that! @Cinfhen 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Cinfhen I absolutely believe Isaac & Anna are essential to this story ( hence the title) I feel like these two might procreate and establish a new race. Isaac is clearly on the Autism spectrum which I find is an interesting choice 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen agree totally about Isaac, definitely felt like ASD, loved seeing the change in him! A real eye opener for Sofia! High performing autism by the sound of it. I also feel these two are the bright hope and that they will end up together and create a new race. @CatLass007 (edited) 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 I believe that Isaac and Ha‘anala will be an important part of this story but I am not going to speculate on what MDR will choose to do. She has thrown so many curveballs our way already. 6y
Cinfhen That is so true @CatLass007 I mean Sofia being alive was HUGE!! 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Yes, didn‘t expect that! @CatLass007 6y
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Andrew65
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Cinfhen I really felt for Supaari. I think he honestly misread the situation and I believe he would have tried to rescue Sofia, although in retrospect that could have resulted in way more dire circumstances (edited) 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen He didn‘t mean them harm but the situation caused one great harm and killed the other so better he didn‘t know Sofia was alive - for her anyway. My viewpoint of him hanged and softened during this section, and now feel heartily sorry for him! @CatLass007 (edited) 6y
Cinfhen This chapter definitely altered my feelings about Supaari. So much in this book is about misunderstanding or poor communication 6y
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Andrew65 @Cinfhen Certainly coming up as a key theme! 6y
Cinfhen I‘m a practicing Jew, so I‘m familiar with a lot of her Biblical references and very heavy handed Jewish themes, I‘m just wondering how you feel about all of her “religious “ beliefs, @Andrew65 Do u feel like she is forcing her religion upon you through these pages??? 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen No I haven‘t really got that. The books do have a lot of religion but done in a good way which seems to complement the book if anything. It is strong on the religious theme, but always feel more about Sandoz‘s relationship with God. I think rather cleverly done actually. The last book I read had a stronger theme of religion in your face focusing on the Mormon religion. 6y
Cinfhen Interesting, because I feel like she has a lot to say about God, the Holocaust, faith, belief, free will vs choice and a whole slew of religious ideologies. I do think she is presenting her core system in a very clever way and I‘m glad that you aren‘t feeling side swiped @Andrew65 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Not at all, I feel generally she had don‘t it in a clever way. I feel it had been stronger around the Jesuits and Sandoz‘s relationship with God. 6y
Cinfhen I agree The Sparrow was much more philosophical but I feel like the author‘s love of Judaism is bleeding into the story or maybe im just more attuned since I feel closely connected to Judaism as well. I think it‘s the chanting of the “Shema” which is resonating so strongly with me. It‘s a very personal & powerful prayer 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen See with my inquisitive nature I enjoyed the ‘Shema‘ being there, thought that was well done and wouldn‘t that be something a mother teaches their child? Possibly some references I haven‘t picked up on. 😂 6y
Cinfhen Yes!!! Absolutely, a mother would teach that to their child 😘😘😘 6y
Cinfhen Thanks for the lovely chat!! Looking forward to next week 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Me too, and I agree thanks for chatting. I‘m sorry to see @SledgeReader is missing this because we know how much she was looking forward to this. Hope things are okay. 😔 🤞 (edited) 6y
Cinfhen Same @Andrew65 ☹️worried about @SledgeReader 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Yes, missing her! 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 you‘ve expressed my opinions about Supaari already and I don‘t feel the need to repeat them. He is a tragic figure. 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 I don‘t feel MDR is trying to preach to her audience. I can‘t even discern what her spiritual beliefs are, except I do believe her to be spiritual but not necessarily religious. 6y
Cinfhen Interesting, I read she converted to Judaism before she gave birth to her a child, a son. So I wonder is she sees parts of herself in Sofia. No matter, I agree she is very spiritual and an amazing wordsmith and world builder @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
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Cinfhen I was surprised by this development. I want this relationship to work but I wonder if Gina is not a “rebound” for Sofia & Celestina for Askama?! 6y
Cinfhen It must bother the Priests as they thought Sanoz was saintly and to learn he‘s human with physical & sexual wants must be freaking them out 6y
Andrew65 When I wrote this question Sandoz hadn‘t disappeared. I love this relationship and she has been so good for him but even in the middle of the section couldn‘t see a future for him when he found out Sofia was alive. He will go back and be missing for a lot of years. Can‘t expect her to wait for him. So 😢😡 6y
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Andrew65 @Cinfhen Goid point about a rebound, but is she actually a rebound for God and the church as opposed to Sofia and Anne. Good thinking re Celestine. Hadn‘t thought of that. @Cinfhen @CatLass007 (edited) 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen I am really surprised how much this unsettled and rattled the others. Not totally sure why he unsettled them so much. 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 I think Sandoz and Gina‘s relationship was a Great step forward in his healing process, both physical and emotional. But the Pope seemed to believe that the only way Sandoz could heal spiritually was to return to Rakhat. But his plans may backfire because of the methods used. 6y
CatLass007 I believe the reason the Jesuits were so rattled by Sandoz and Gina‘s relationship was because he had found happiness without God. @Cinfhen @Andrew65 (edited) 6y
Cinfhen Good point @CatLass007 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen @CatLass007 It is a good point! 6y
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Andrew65
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Cinfhen I absolutely agree with Supaari...he is persona non grata #1 and a “fugitive” wanted for “killing” Kitheri‘s family (edited) 6y
Cinfhen I don‘t think Sofia should bring him to earth. He & his daughter will become media fodder. Their life will become a freak show 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen He‘s certainly not welcome in his land at the moment, doesn‘t fit in where he was living, in his old home or with the Runa! Now if he did come to Earth I agree @Cinfhen he would be one a freak show. The future doesn‘t hold much for him unfortunately. Not sure what he should do. @CatLass007 6y
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Andrew65 Surprised how little his family seemed to take note of him when he arrived back home. Could this be jealousy or trying to protect their own position? @Cinfhen @CatLass007 6y
Cinfhen Interesting, about his family...I think they were trying to distance themselves from him @Andrew65 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Most Definitely, were they scared he was going to come back and take over? 6y
Cinfhen Yes or they were afraid he would bring the fury of Kitheri upon them 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen That‘s something else I wondered about. 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 so sorry I didn‘t participate in Sunday‘s discussion. My nephew got married and my brother was in from out of town. Also, I didn‘t realize I was supposed to read chapter 17 as well. I thought we were reading only eight chapters at a time, but adding 17 made 9 chapters this week. By now I‘ve read 17 and beyond and know what you both were talking about when you talked about Sandoz leaving Gina and Celestina. 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 I don‘t know whether Sofia “should” take Supaari back to earth. If she does it probably will be a disaster. 6y
Cinfhen Congrats on the wedding 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 No worries, it‘s designed so you can drop in on the questions whenever you want to or are able to. We all lead busy lives. Rather than 8 Chapters each book, I split it roughly into fifths. Hope you enjoyed the wedding and family visits. 6y
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Andrew65
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Will shortly be posting the questions for Week 2. I am posting them early as I am on the road travelling, but feel free to post your answers at any time. Each question will be under a spoiler alert so as not to spoil anyone‘s Reading if they haven‘t got that far. Enjoy!

Cinfhen Thanks for posting 6y
Cinfhen Hope all is well @SledgeReader ?!?!!? 6y
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Cinfhen
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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I may have read ahead this morning @CatLass007 @Andrew65 but I promise I won‘t blab any spoilers!!! #CoG #buddyread #discussion2 TODAY!!!! {{ what time?!?}}

Andrew65 Travelling today which makes things a bit awkward, said I would post around 12.00CST, 6.00 pm U.K. (which is around 8.00 or 9.00 for you I think). Will most probably aim to post between 4.00 and 6.00 pm today around the travelling legs. Apologies for the variance this week, but due to driving back from holiday. @Cinfhen @CatLass007 (edited) 6y
Cinfhen No problem, I‘m excited to see your questions!! I‘ll be out from 7 - 10 my time ( another event) which I believe is 5 - 8 your time @Andrew65 & 12- 3pm your time @CatLass007 #worldreaders 🙌🏻💟🌍 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Lol! Hope the questions don‘t disappoint. 😂 6y
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Cinfhen
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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O.M.G!!! The surprises keep coming!!! I‘m not sure how I can restrain myself from reading on @CatLass007 @Andrew65 I‘ve finished the next section...looking forward to discussing💕

Andrew65 That was quick!! 6y
CatLass007 I know, right? 6y
emilyhaldi Ok so I should definitely read this, right?! 6y
Cinfhen Yes!!! I‘m planning on sending it back with Niki @emilyhaldi 💋 6y
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LitsyHappenings
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Repost for @Andrew65 :
Here is the schedule for the Group Read of Children of God, the sequel to The Sparrow. Everyone Welcome. 😊 @SledgeReader @Cinfhen
We will discuss the book each week on Sunday but feel free to drop in anytime.

@MinDea @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Cinfhen @SledgeReader @MrsV @TheBookHippie could you help advertise by reposting this. Thanks 😊

#ChildrenofGodBuddyRead #MaryDoriaRussellBuddyRead #ChildrenofGod

Cinfhen Thanks for the repost 💖 6y
Andrew65 Thanks for reposting. ❣️ (edited) 6y
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LitsyHappenings
Children Of God | Mary Doria Russell
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Repost for @Andrew65 :
So who is going this year?! I‘m going. I‘m trying to start plotting and coming up with a game plan. I need to read all the books and see all the authors and get all the books signed.

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Cinfhen Yes!! This was very informative as we learn that Supaari was duped as well. The real bad guy here is Hlavin Kitheri 6y
Cinfhen I‘m just blown away by MDR and her world building!!! Soooo good @CatLass007 @Andrew65 6y
Cinfhen Great questions!!! Thanks looking forward to the next section ❤️ 6y
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CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 Supaari was doing what he genuinely believed Sandoz wanted. 6y
Cinfhen It shows how communication and perception can be so misleading @CatLass007 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 That‘s the crazy thing in all this!!! 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen @CatLass007 This was a great way to remind people what happened in the first book and to clarify some things from the first book. I agree @Cinfhen she has really done some great world building. 6y
Andrew65 Thanks @Cinfhen and @CatLass007 , now onto the next section! (edited) 6y
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Andrew65
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Cinfhen I found this part so disturbing @CatLass007 @Andrew65 because the idea that a club foot which is more a cosmetic deformity would warrant ending an otherwise healthy child‘s life is heartbreaking and then to discover it‘s all a hoax!!!!! Man, it‘s getting “twisted” ( no pun intended) 😂😂😉 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen Great pun! 😂 6y
Andrew65 Seriously sick ideas, killing people because they have deformities, eating people! What sort of society is this! Then to find this is a set up! Still trying to get my head around this. @Cinfhen @CatLass007 6y
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Andrew65
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CatLass007 I was overjoyed to discover Sofia alive. (edited) 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 This was a big and good surprise, I thought they were all dead! I do wonder if her baby could be important in the resolution of the book. I want more of Sophie! 6y
CatLass007 Oh, I‘m convinced we‘ll see more of Sofia. 6y
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Cinfhen This was HUGE @CatLass007 @Andrew65 and I‘m pretty sure her child and the child of Supaari will somehow create a NEW race if this book like the first has dual timelines which stretch into the future 😉💕 6y
CatLass007 @Cinfhen @Andrew65 yes! A new race! 6y
Cinfhen Right @CatLass007 it seems like that would fit the book‘s title 😀 6y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen That‘s a great idea, and I do feel the child is important, a glimmer of hope for the future. @CatLass007 6y
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Andrew65
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CatLass007 It was necessary to return in order to find out what happened to the second expedition. The Pope believed it was necessary for Sandoz to face his demons. 6y
Cinfhen I‘m thinking the Pope had a vision or some type of premonition that is foreshadowing. Knowing what we know now I‘m sure Emilio MUST return as well, I‘m guessing hoping he will be reunited with Sophia and perhaps they will form a more intimate relationship. 6y
Cinfhen My first inclination was going back did NOT seem like a good idea and trying to make contact wasn‘t a wise idea 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 @Cinfhen Other than finding out what happened to the others I think returning is a very bad idea, as far as they know only Sandoz survived. Sandoz returning seems an even crazier idea, like Cinfhen says I wonder if the pope has had some kind of premonition. 6y
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Andrew65
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CatLass007 I don‘t think Giuliani knew the slightest thing about PTSD or he wouldn‘t have expected immediate healing. 6y
Cinfhen I agree with that first statement!! Knowing and accepting are 2 VERY different actions. And I‘m pretty sure Giuliani had NO IDEA the can of worms he was unleashing when he forced Sandoz to share his experience. (edited) 6y
Andrew65 @CatLass007 @Cinfhen These are two statements we hear often. Talking about things can often make things feel better but when things are as shocking as he experienced you also have to come to terms with them in your own way. Sandoz needs time. 6y
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