A small group came out of the heat to meet in the sponsor's cool living room to talk about this well-liked book. Some highlights:
Male friendships, like that of the author and his tennis partner, seem to revolve around neutral things such as sports--to talk about the personal, the intimate is difficult for that gender.
To a group of mostly non-tennis plays, the descriptions of tennis strategies are so well written that they enhance the understanding of the author and his partner's characters.
Addictions are pleasurable...and so, despite the horrendous consequences, people return to them. Seems obvious, right? But as a group whose addictions do not have such negative impact, this is an idea that has to be restated. The "Just say NO" philosophy is a joke for a good reason--not just because of its author.
Insights into medical descriptions disrupt the flow for one book group member, but not to others.
Friendships are not free of rivalry, jealousy, envy, anger...
It is through the description of his relationships with his patients and his sons, that Abraham's best qualities are revealed.
