Recap Book Chat

Recap Book Chat
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If you are looking for a place to dive into great books, unpack big ideas, and connect with a community of readers, you made it! My mom, Sheila Barnes has taught and inspired young minds as an elementary teacher for 40+ years. Her passion is reading and it is contagious. My name is Kate Matthews and I am an artist, seeker of wisdom and lifelong student. We decided to start a book club a couple of years ago which has impacted and grown us tremendously. We hope you will join in on the fun and get lost in the magic of reading with us.

  1. 2 days ago

    Next Conversation Ch. 2 by: Jefferson Fisher

    Greetings fellow communicators! Are you ready to level-up to chapter 2 in  The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher? Have you ever had a moment when you played out a conversation in your head and it went totally awry? Jefferson has a powerful reminder for us: “Have something to LEARN not something to prove.” The next conversation can be much more transformative than the initial one. It levels us up. Reframing, restating, clarifying, and apologizing trumps the prized first impression.  When we identify our values (who we want to be and how we want to show up) they help align us and make the tough decisions for us. Remember in the Bible when Isaac asked Jacob who he was he replied, “I am Esau” which was a false identity. When God asked Jacob that same question much later in his life, he said, “I am Jacob” which was his real identity, but not his true identity. God gives Jacob that when he changed his name to Israel: Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." Words are powerful! We want our actions to speak louder than our words so we must embrace the uncomfortableness of growth.  Jefferson shares a few of his values: Where there is room for kindness, I will use it.Tell them who I am without saying my name.If I can’t be a bridge, I’ll be a lighthouse. Values in conversations serve as our compass, helping us to set realistic goals as we strive to  navigate toward what is meaningful and important. Let’s learn the power of… The Next Conversation as we Connect to Reflect! Blessings! https://recapbookchat.com/2026/05/25/the-next-conversation-chapter-2/

    34 min

  2. 26 May

    Maniac Magee by: Jerry Spinelli

    Kate and Sheila are joined by Jonah as they recap Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. Their one word choices were Kind, Protect, and Brave. The beginning is grim. A tragic accident leaves Jeffery Magee an orphan at the age of three.  He is sent to live with a divided family, his aunt and uncle do not talk to each other. By age 11 Jeffery runs away and ends up in Two Mills, a divided town. East side versus West side, of course, to Jeffery there are no sides. He meets a girl hefting a suitcase to school. Amanda Beale is the real deal. She carries her beloved books to school each day to prevent her siblings from destroying them. Jeffery pleads for a book, Amanda reluctantly gives in: Friendship begins! Later on, Jeffery gets the name, Maniac, and becomes a town legend.  He runs unbelievably fast, hits homeruns against the neighborhood bully, sleeps in the buffalo pen at the zoo and even beats the town’s fastest runner, Mars Bar, in a contest. Did I mention Maniac was running backwards? What can we learn from Maniac? He wants to make the world a better place by being kind to every person he meets. In a town with social inequality and racial tension Maniac bravely searches for a place to belong; to find a family. Does he find one? Is he able to untie the famous Cobble’s knot and get free pizza for a year? Will he be able to teach an elderly man how to read and prevent two misguided kids from running away? There are many ‘knots’ to untie in this Newbury winner from 1991!  Isn’t life like untying knots? Let's see problems as opportunities to grow and help others like Maniac did. He lived each moment to the fullest. Are you ready to meet the Legend? Let’s connect to reflect! Blessings!

    29 min

  3. 19 May

    The Next Conversation Ch 1. By: Jefferson Fisher

    Let’s dive into episode 228. It’s an absolute gem. The Next Conversation - Argue Less, Talk More - Chapter 1 By: Jefferson Fisher It is so packed full of great information, we wanted to deliver it a chapter at a time.  Jefferson Fisher is a Texas trial lawyer that grew up in a family with a legacy of lawyers. His no nonsense approach aptly applies to all seasons of life.  Chapter 1 - Never Win an Argument “Begin to see every argument as a window into another person’s struggle.”Let your breath be your first word.LaPray story - Fisher asked an aggressive hulk of a man one simple question that changed everything!  “What’s the hardest thing you’ve gone through this year?”Uncover what is beneath the surface (think iceberg)“The person you see isn’t always the person you're talking to.”Shift in perspective-instead of unraveling the issue, seek to understand the heart of the matter.Those with traumatic childhood influences are given the steps to break negative cyclesReframe arguments as chances to understand, connect and grow“Have something to learn, NOT something to prove.” We grow when we seek truth instead of self-promote. Winning an argument can quickly become a loss when it erodes the relationship.  If you haven’t read Jerry Spinilli’s impactful book, Maniac MeGee, you might want to add that to your TBE (To Be Enjoyed) list, Maniac (aka Jeffery) is definitely a person you want to meet! Kate made a powerful connection to the colossal knot in the book. Whoever is able to untie the huge weathered knot in the story earns the reward of free pizza for life! Maybe we can look at people as  knots to be unravelled. Can we thank God for progress and growth instead of impatiently seeking perfection? Love, love, loved Kate’s connection! We are striving to grow as Jefferson advised,  baby step by baby step. Are you ready to join us for that first step? Blessings dear listeners!

    33 min

  4. 12 May

    The Book of Job

    If you had to choose a book of the Bible that has suffering for its theme, which would you pick? Hands down most would gravitate to Job. God is in the storm even though we sometimes don’t have eyes to see.  Job is about perspective. Job’s, his friends, and God’s all give different perspectives. Job reads like a play, each part revealing something. Job 28:28 is so powerful! “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” Kate even found a humorous verse, “Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!” was Job’s retort to his friends whose words were more hurtful than helpful. Job 13:5 The robust words in  Job 19:25 led to a powerful hymn, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.” Please join us as we meet Job in the midst of his suffering and questioning, then God shows up in the Whirlwind! Wow! This is a book that warrants a closer look!  Let’s connect, to reflect! Blessings!

    43 min

  5. 5 May

    To Mom with Love

    Greetings listeners! May brings Mother’s Day our way! Please join Kate and Sheila as they share a mother acrostic using book titles and celebrate stellar moms found in literature! Without moms where would people be? (One need only to read The Brothers Karamazov to find out 😀) Let’s dive into episode 226! Here are few suggestions for moms and mentors in your life: Middlemarch One Thousand Gifts Theo of Golden Hannah Coulter Emma Rebecca Honorable mentions: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Volumes 1-8), A Girl Called Samson, Redeeming Love, The Nature of Fragile Things, & for nonfiction suggestions we have The Awe of God and The Next Conversation Kate did a great job of pulling out Memorable Moms from literature: Sophie, a mail order bride, was a wonderful stepmom to Sophie in The Nature of Fragile Things Godsmuggler, aka Brother Andrew’s dear mom, gave him her own Bible when he left to become a soldier; this changed the trajectory of his life and the lives of many others! (True Story) Marmee of The Little Women and the novel March held her the family together. Here Be Dragons author Melanie Shankle breaks generational trauma Anne of Green Gables’ Marilla steps into the unsought role of motherhood beautifully, but not without trials and hiccups along the way. Quarryman’s Bride, Mrs. Mcalister was a much needed role model of a loving mother for Emmalyne who is caring for her own mother and brother and dealing with a trying father! If Mama Ain’t Happy by Rachel Norman shares her story and wisdom. Here’s a quote: “Simplifying makes life less stressful” Martha Ballard from Frozen River (true story from 1789) - unbelievable strength! Some Kind of Courage- mother has passed, but she is the voice in his head, with wisdom to remember when life throws him curve ball after curve ball! Thank you for connecting and reflecting dear readers! Blessings! For author info https://recapbookchat.com/2026/05/04/to-moms-with-love-episode-226/

    38 min

  6. 28 Apr

    The Bronze Bow by: Elizabeth George Speare

    What would it have been like to walk the first century streets of Galilee when Jesus was healing the sick and teaching the crowds that love was stronger than hate? The main character is an 18 year old Jewish boy named Daniel bar Jamin. He is fueled by his hate for the Romans who killed his father when he tried to help his uncle escape imprisonment for being unable to pay his taxes. Sadly, his mother grieved herself to death and Leah, his younger sister, overcome by fear, sinks into deep despair.  Daniel retreats to the mountains and joins an outlaw gang run by a ruthless leader named Rosh.  Things begin to change for Daniel when Simon the Zealot shows up on the mountain to visit him. He lets Daniel know how things have been at his house, and urges Daniel to at least come visit for a day or two.. That Sabbath, Simon invites him to the temple to hear a Teacher who seems curious. Instead of the Teacher’s hometown being proud of Him, they tried to kill him. This, along with the chance of the Teacher being a Zealot, ignites Daniel’s curiosity and he agrees to go with Simon. Rosh gave Daniel an assignment for Joel, whom he met earlier on the mountain when Joel and his twin sister, Thacia, went on a mountain holiday. Rosh wanted Joel to go to a large banquet to be attended by both Romans and rich Jews. Joel’s mission was to get a list of the names of Jewish leaders who were friendly with Romans. Daniel finds himself slowly disillusioned and let down when Joel is arrested, and Rosh refuses to help get Joel out. Daniel tells Rosh he no longer works for him and leaves. Daniel and some boys plan an ambush to free Joel, but the rescue does not go as planned. This is a roller coaster of a read! Elizabeth George Sphere takes readers back to a turbulent time. We hope you join us along with the boys as we recap this impactful Newbury Winner! Blessings!

    21 min

  7. 21 Apr

    The Book of Esther

    “...and if I perish, I perish.” Esther was all in! David asked God in Psalm 86:11 to give him an undivided heart. Esther and David were on the same page. May we join them!  Kate’s take away was spot on: God works in ordinary events.Step us with courage when your moment comes.Trust God’s sovereignty-Lean into to HIM.God never abandons His people.Meet oppression and uncertainty without worry.We will reap what we sow.Esther is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God in the text, yet His presence is woven throughout the story. Mordecai guided Esther during a challenging time in history as waves of Israelites were returning to Jerusalem, these people chose to remain in Persia. Meanwhile, the evil Haman devised his dastardly plan to annihilate all Jews. What a rich reminder that God does NOT leave His people to their own devices. He guides, He enlightens, He protects, He draws us closer. Won’t you join us as we dive into God’s Word! Let’s connect to reflect! Blessings dear listeners!  https://recapbookchat.com/2026/04/14/esther-episode-224/

    35 min

  8. 14 Apr

    March by: Geraldine Brooks

    Marme:You are not God. You don’t determine the outcome. The outcome is not the point. March: What is the point? Marme: The point is the effort. Grace: I do not ask your absolution. I simply as you to see that there is only one thing to do when we fall, and that is to get up, and go on with the life that is set in front of us, and try to do the good of which our hands are capable for the people who come our way. These two powerful quotes are from the strong women behind the broken father in Louisa Mae Alcott's  beloved Little Women. This intriguing book tells his back story. Geraldine Brooks' Pulitzer Prize novel, March, is not a read for the faint of heart, but for readers who like to stretch their thinking and see several sides to a story. Brooks researched the time period (Civil War) and the person (she fashioned her character March from Alcott’s father) so well that readers are gifted with a trip back in time. March’s failed quest for perfection in himself and the world at large hits him hard. The clash of his idealism with reality is brutal! The heaviness was felt by both of us! Kate chose the word duty to summarize the theme of the book which  is 100% spot on! March feels his duty to the bigger picture all the while refusing to accept his duty to his family. Isn’t this what we all often do? We focus on that which we have no opportunity to improve, while those whom we might have great impact on are right before us…unnoticed. Won’t you learn and grow with us today through love, adversity, and brokenness, as we find the way to redemption, truth, and duty. Buckle up, it’s a wild ride as we connect to reflect! For more quotes and an actual Civil War soldier’s poem click link below: https://recapbookchat.com/2026/04/13/march-episode-223/

    54 min
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About

If you are looking for a place to dive into great books, unpack big ideas, and connect with a community of readers, you made it! My mom, Sheila Barnes has taught and inspired young minds as an elementary teacher for 40+ years. Her passion is reading and it is contagious. My name is Kate Matthews and I am an artist, seeker of wisdom and lifelong student. We decided to start a book club a couple of years ago which has impacted and grown us tremendously. We hope you will join in on the fun and get lost in the magic of reading with us.

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  • Creator
    Recap Book Chat
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    238
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Recap Book Chat
  • Show Website
    Recap Book Chat

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