Book Club Discussion Questions for In the Hollow of God's Hand

• Was there a specific passage in this book that left an impression, good or bad? Share the passage and its effect.
• How did you feel about the way the Amish–Mennonite religion was discussed in this book? Was the author a fair and impartial observer of the sect’s practices?
• Did you feel that the subject, Edd Yoder, was presented in a well-rounded way, with flaws as well as virtues? Why or why not? Can you provide specific examples?
  
• Given the fact that men and women had markedly different roles in the historical time frame covered by the book, do you think that Alice was presented as a strong and highly individual character in her own right? Why or why not?
  
• How were Edd and Alice alike in character? How were they different? How did their marriage and partnership in community service benefit from their similarities and differences of character?  
• Was the book written in a way that was engaging and made you want to keep turning pages? Why or why not?
• Who was your favorite character in the book? Why? 
• Although Edd Yoder was the main character, did you like reading Alice’s story and getting her perspective on the events leading up to their marriage, as well Edd’s, or did you find it distracting? Why or why not?
• The book is subtitled The Life and Times of Edward Z. Yoder: Was the author successful in integrating Edd’s personal journey with the times he lived in? Did you feel that there was enough historical perspective? Too much?
• Was there anything in this book that you would like to know more about? Do you think you will explore that topic further on your own?