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Reader's Guide

Kitchen Table Wisdom
by Rachel Naomi Remen

A collection of personal anecdotes, case histories, and reflections notable for their Zen-like quality of absolute acceptance. Remen (Univ. of Calif., San Francisco, Medical School; The Human Patient, 1980) was once a pediatrician and is now a ''psycho-oncologist,'' counseling people with cancer...

1. Rachel Naomi Remen divides her collection of stories into nine distinct sections: Life Force, Judgement, Traps, Freedom, Opening the Heart, Embracing Life, Live and Help Live, Knowing God, and Mystery and Awe. What is the significance of these specific sections? Does she succeed in telling stories that speak to each of the unique section titles?

2. Was there one particular section that was your favorite - or that touched your heart more than any other section of the book? If so, what about that section drew you to it?

3. Looking at each of the sections, share with us your favorite story or favorite passage in each.

4. Remen has written a book filled with the stories of other people. Along the way, she has incorporated how those stories played a role in her life. How did you feel about this particular approach to storytelling? Does the voice of this book enhance or detract from the story telling in your opinion? (There is no wrong or right answer to this.)

5. For many, a kitchen table was a central point of day to day life. Was this true for you and your family as you were growing up? Was it the table in your own home or that of another family member or friend where you experienced this sort of storytelling? How does your own kitchen table factor into your present day life and your own storytelling?

Last updated: 10/27/02