Story Circle Network

Austin Chapter
Reader's Guide

January 2004

In Search of Grace: A Journey Across America's Landscape of Faith
by Kristin Hahn

After years as a Hollywood writer and filmmaker, Kristin Hahn felt a crisis of faith: she had no spiritual group she could call her own. Setting out on a three-year journey, she began an investigation of America's religious traditions, practices, and beliefs...

  1. What did you like?

  2. What did you not like?

  3. Was Hahn's endeavor helpful to you in any unexpected way?
    The following questions are from the Internet Chapter reading e-circle's discussion of this book...

  4. Kristen explored 10 religions with many different practices. She says of her journey "Choosing a religious or spiritual path is a profound exercise in freedom… Don't take my word for it. Go taste it for yourself." (pg. 296 paperback edition) Have you ever been in search of grace in your life? Would you go as far as Kristen did to find it?

  5. In part Kristen goes on this pilgrimage to fill a gap that she feels because she didn't grow up with a religion. Do you think that children need a religious anchor or do you think that adults must have freedom to choose a practice that they connect with?

  6. Many of the spiritual "guides" that Kristen writes about also questioned their faith and the role of God in their lives. Do you think it is necessary to question your faith as a part of the maturation process? Does the questioning bring you deeper within your spiritual practice?

  7. How did you feel when Kristen wrote about your practice or one that you had some experience with?

  8. Did Kristen answer some questions that you have about other religious practices? Did reading this book make you more or less curious about other religions?

  9. In the epilogue, Kristen writes about her experiences surrounding the birth and raising of her son. Do you agree that birth and mothering are spiritual practices? Does that process bring you closer to God?

The Story Circle Network is a national not-for-profit membership organization made up of women who want to explore their lives and their souls by exploring their personal stories. If you would like to learn more about the Network and its activities, please sign up for our free email newsletters!