Description
Discussion Notes:
This book tends to yank out emotions long ago suppressed and incite conversations and deep thoughts long after it has been closed. To assist in engaging in discussion whether book clubs, youth groups or even bible studies, the author has put together an extensive list of thought-provoking questions to keep the conversation active.
Sample Questions:
- What was the significance of the inchworm scene? Explain how the situation made Gerald reflect attributes of God.
- What biblical location is the painting most closely related to?
- List a few things Tiffany did to show Gerald friendship? How can you work some of those tasks into your own life?
- What was it that Gerald wanted most from the viewers of his painting? How is that similar to God’s desires?
- When Gerald doused the flames with the bucket of water, what Bible story did this symbolize?
Short Excerpt:
Gerald realized his father couldn’t see the painting the way he did. He knew his father was only seeing the paint on the canvas and he wanted nothing more than to share the magic of his world with with his dad. He took his father’s hand into his.
“Dad, I want you truly experience it.”
Gerald’s dad turned to face his son who was smiling. Gerald stared at the painting, closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. His smile broadened as a gust of wind blew the hair on his head. Startled as to where the wind had come from in a room with no windows, his dad turned his gaze back to the painting. He looked upon it and watched as it came to life.
The tree branches were swaying in the wind. Birds started soaring across the sky and dolphins leapt out of the ocean waters. He could smell the salty air, the flowers in bloom. He could feel the temperature cool and then he heard the repetitive caw of a peacock’s cry.
His mouth opened as more individual sounds rushed to his ears. A jungle of acoustics and smells flooded his senses, and he felt the world call to him.
He released Gerald’s hand and walked closer to the painting. It was a massive canvas, he knew, but once it was painted it seemed even larger than he could comprehend. The closer he walked, the more he was immersed into the world. It sucked him in as if he was standing inside the piece. He looked all around. It was as if nothing else existed outside of this world.
