Small Change Afternoon Discussion

Afternoon discussion was just peachy today. Cristi brought some refreshing peach angelfood dessert for refreshments and group members seemed to enjoy the postive themes of the book. A couple of members commmented that it would make a perfect Christmas gift--and it's never too early to think of Christmas, right? Most members felt there was much to admire in Pennny's life. They pointed out her ability to make something good out of a difficult situation and felt her secret life reflected loving values they would like to emulate. We talked about charity in general and how it can be difficult to give and to accept in a way that allows another to keep their dignity. Since I won't be at evening discussion this month I'll put in my two cents worth here and say that I had a very different reaction to the book. I really felt like it was written in a code that I just don't understand. I found nothing to admire in longsuffering in a relationship with no real communication. I feel like this was propoganda designed to convince women that it's up to them to accomodate the man in a relationship. I'm actually not convinced they even had a relationship. Why did they get married anyway? My reaction has gotten stronger the more time that has past since I read the book, so this might sound a little ranty, but please feel free to respond if you can help me see the light.