Recap Book Chat

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

Are you ready for an action-packed recap? In The Two Towers the fellowship is disbanded, but not the mission secure. Merry and Pippin are hobbitnapped, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli meet up with a refined Gandalf the white who sweeps them into a war while Frodo and Sam are led by Gollum through the swamps.They meet Faramir, Boromir’s brother who has wisdom that Boromir lacked.“War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only what they defend.”There are a plethora of powerful quotes! Here’s a few of our favorites.“The hasty stroke oft goes astray.” -Aragorn“Often does hatred hurt itself.” - Gandalf“Where there’s life there’s hope, and need of vittles.” - SamGandalf gives Saruman a chance to change, but he refuses. “He will not serve only command.”Kate explained the backstory about how evil men fell into idleness and ease which led them into fighting amongst themselves. Which connects with: “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”― G. Michael Hopf, Those Who RemainWon’t you join us as we recap this timeless tale through Middle Earth!https://recapbookchat.com/

1st & 2nd Chronicles

Greetings dear readers! Welcome to episode 212 as we recap 1 and 2 Chronicles. We learn about the prophet Samuel and King Saul and David, boy and king in 1 Chronicles. It Retells 1 & 2 Samuel and gives the genealogies all the way back to Adam!2 Chronicles retells 1 and 2 Kings, giving details of each kings' reign and Jerusalem’s fall along with the destruction of the temple. Elijah and Elisha are the prophets during these turbulent times. We see a lot of turmoil with most kings doing evil in the sight of the Lord, albeit some do stay true to God. God is always faithful and patient through it all, seeking a relationship with His wayward people.Why do people think they know better than God? Doesn’t it come down to humility? The more humble we are the more we will trust Him and seek to follow His Word. Please join us for a flash back to the past as Babylonians destroy the temple and lead many away into captivity. Yes, it is a cliff hanger for sure and gives us much to learn! Remember as we read; connect to reflect with each book you select! Blessings!https://recapbookchat.com/

1st & 2nd Kings

Happy New Year dear listeners! Please join us as we dive into 1 & 2 Kings. Kate called this a roller coaster ride and that is spot on! We see the rise and fall of God’s Kingdom through the rise and fall of His kings. These two books were originally one,  written in Israel’s exile to show WHY Israel was there.From his deathbed, David tells Solomon, “... keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, His commandments, his rules, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses…” This connects with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” We must remember to put God first and keep Him there!Solomon asks God for wisdom to rule His people. The Lord was pleased with his prayer. Sadly, that undivided focus on God changed, after he married 700 wives. Solomon was led into idol worship. His divided heart reminds us how important it is to guard ours.There are a few righteous kings and many unrighteous, this goes with the narrow and wide gates Jesus talked about. Kate mentioned that we do not drift to the top. We must be intentional in order to live in a way pleasing to God, it doesn’t just happen. A few kings were focused on the Lord but many more were focused on themselves. The message of repent, renew, restore is how God gives us all hope. We realize He was with them long ago and He is with us today. What an awesome God we serve! We must trust Him and recognize the joy that we receive when we seek to please Him. May 2026 bring you into a deeper relationship with our wondrous Creator!  

Literary Awards 2025

Welcome to our yearly Recap Book Chat Awards for the year 2025.Most whimsical: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – Its dreamy, childlike philosophical tale of a young prince traveling planets, full of wonder, imagination, and gentle absurdity, captures pure whimsy more than any other on the list. BFG and Much Ado About Nothing also fit this category.Grittiest: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo – Depicting extreme poverty, injustice, prison brutality, prostitution, child suffering, and revolutionary violence in raw detail, it unflinchingly explores human misery and societal cruelty. Most unique format: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol. 1 or 2) – Written entirely as witty, personal diary entries from a quirky Victorian-era heroine, this journal style stands out distinctly among traditional narratives, plays, and prose.Best opening line: The Green Ember by S.D. Smith “Heather had invented the game, but Picket made it magic.” Most unpredictable: The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner – Filled with shocking twists involving deception, bigamy, and survival amid the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, its plot revelations keep readers guessing.Most intense: Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon-Family killed in front of her, captured by Indians, yet in love with an Indian man. Most impactful in society: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo – A monumental critique of social injustice that influenced reforms, human rights discourse, and popular culture worldwide through adaptations highlighting redemption and inequality.Most creative: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien – Inventing an entire mythology, languages, maps, and world (Middle-earth) showcases unparalleled imaginative world-building.Best leading lady: Emmalyne Knox from The Quarryman’s Bride by Tracie Peterson – Intelligent, resilient, compassionate, dealing with trauma from loss of sisters, home and betrothed. Best leading man: Aragorn from The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien. Brave warrior, wise strategist, skilled healer, humble leader, stoic strength and empathy. Aragorn demonstrates a balanced masculinity free of pettiness, unjust anger or despair. He epitomizes patience and loyalty beyond today’s imagination! Best ending: Ferris by Kate Dicamillo, what a beautiful story of reconciliation and  community, Here Be Dragons by Melanie Shankle ends with her teaching her daughter to navigate the dragons (aka mean girls) in life.Changed our lives: Seeing the Unseen by Joe Beam, preparing yourself for Spiritual Warfare along with the bishop in Les Miserables whose kindness changed Jean Valjean’s life! Stands the test of time: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien – Decades later, it remains a cultural cornerstone, influencing fantasy and enduring as a beloved classic.Best overall book: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien – Masterful storytelling, rich themes of friendship, heroism, and good vs. evil, combined with enduring influence and depth, make it a standout masterpiece. Happy New Year dear readers!!!

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien

Let’s journey to Middle Earth together! Readers meet Frodo, the unsuspecting beneficiary of Bilbo’s ‘Ring’. This gift turns the innocent hobbit’s world upside down. Frodo and his friends, Sam, Merry and Pippin set out on a quest to meet up with Gandalf the Grey which is no small task as Black Riders are trailing the travelers. Along the way they meet a Ranger, tall, lean, dark, who goes by the name of Strider. He tells Frodo his carelessness with the Ring has announced to the evil people that the hobbits are in town. Frodo receives a note of warning from Gandalf NOT to use the ring again. He also tells him his friend, Strider, (aka Aragorn) will help him get to Rivendell where he hopes to meet with him.Sacrifice and camaraderie are themes throughout the book. When plans fail there is no blame game. When mistakes are made, they are owned, when tensions arise options are given.When Gimli, the Dwarf, refuses to abide the elves' rule for him to be blindfolded, Aragorn suggests that their whole party be blindfolded.Won’t you join us for the journey? We wish each one of you a Merry Christmas!!!