What are good book club discussion questions for Courage Can Save Us?

Spoiler-free questions to get the conversation going: Settle in with your mug. Did anyone in your family or circle serve in the military or in public service, and did that person come to mind while you read?; Where were you, and what were you sipping, when you read the part of this book that stayed with you most? What made that moment feel right for it?; The book gathers people from both parties under one roof. How did it feel to read stories where political labels mattered less than character? Was it a relief, a surprise, or something else?; Many of these people learned to rely on others while serving. Who has had your back in your own life, and what did it feel like to be trusted that way?; Courage here is often quiet, like showing up, keeping a promise, or reaching across a divide. What's a small, everyday act of courage you've seen or done that no one applauded?.

What food and drinks should I serve at a Courage Can Save Us book club?

Food: Potluck-Style Slow Cooker Chili with a Toppings Bar, Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter, and Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream. Drinks: Mulled Apple Cider, Bourbon Hot Toddy, and Mess Hall Coffee with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon.

Cozy night

Courage Can Save UsBook club questions, food & host guide

Rye Barcott

A cozy book club night for Courage Can Save Us by Rye Barcott. Includes 8 spoiler-free discussion questions, food and drink pairings, a playlist, and a host guide, ready to print and share.

Clubs that want a sincere, heartening nonfiction read and a kind, respectful conversation among friends of all political stripes

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Rye Barcott, a Marine veteran, profiles Democrats and Republicans who served in uniform or the F.B.I. before running for office. It's a hopeful read about service and bravery that crosses party lines, and it makes for warm conversation by the fire.

Why it works for clubs

It covers both parties, so the talk stays on shared values instead of turning into a debate
The profiles are real human stories that invite personal reflection on courage and service
You can discuss it one profile at a time, which suits a relaxed, low-pressure night
It leaves readers feeling hopeful, which fits a comforting evening

Themes & mood

Hopeful Service Common Ground Quiet Courage Nonfiction

Reading level

Moderate

Warm-up questions

1 Settle in with your mug. Did anyone in your family or circle serve in the military or in public service, and did that person come to mind while you read?
2 Where were you, and what were you sipping, when you read the part of this book that stayed with you most? What made that moment feel right for it?

Digging in

1 The book gathers people from both parties under one roof. How did it feel to read stories where political labels mattered less than character? Was it a relief, a surprise, or something else?
2 Many of these people learned to rely on others while serving. Who has had your back in your own life, and what did it feel like to be trusted that way?
3 Courage here is often quiet, like showing up, keeping a promise, or reaching across a divide. What's a small, everyday act of courage you've seen or done that no one applauded?
4 Which profile left you feeling warmest or most hopeful, and what was it about that person's story that softened something in you?

Going deep

1 By the last page, did your feelings about public life and the people who choose it change at all? What would you want to say to someone who has given up hope in it?
2 The title makes a promise that courage can save us. After spending time with these stories, where do you feel that promise in your own community, your family, or yourself?

On the table

Potluck-Style Slow Cooker Chili with a Toppings Bar

A hearty, all-American pot everyone can add to, like the book's many voices at one table. Make it ahead and let guests top their own bowls.

Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter

Humble, homey, and served in kitchens across the country. Warm and a little indulgent, and easy to bake in one pan.

Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic hometown dessert that feels like coming home after a long time away. A nod to the service members in the book.

To sip

Mulled Apple Cider No alcohol

Spiced, steamy, and alcohol-free, so everyone can share the same cozy pot.

Bourbon Hot Toddy

An American whiskey classic with honey and lemon. Gentle and warming for a reflective evening.

Mess Hall Coffee with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon No alcohol

A nod to the strong coffee of military life, dressed up and softened for a slow night of conversation.

Warm acoustic Americana and soulful classics about home, loyalty, and standing together, kept low like a fire in the next room

Tap a track to play it. Full songs play when you're signed into Spotify.

You're invited

Pull Up a Chair: Courage and Comfort Night

Join us for chili, cider, and a cozy conversation about Rye Barcott's Courage Can Save Us. Bring a blanket, an open heart, and a story about someone who showed up for you.

Trivia

1

In which branch of the U.S. military did author Rye Barcott serve?

Answer: The U.S. Marine Corps
2

What nonprofit did Barcott co-found in one of Nairobi's largest informal settlements?

Answer: Carolina for Kibera
3

In what country is Kibera located?

Answer: Kenya
4

What is the title of Barcott's earlier memoir?

Answer: It Happened on the Way to War
5

What nonpartisan organization did Barcott co-found to support veterans running for public office?

Answer: With Honor
6

Carolina for Kibera is affiliated with which university?

Answer: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
7

The politicians profiled in this book previously served in which two areas?

Answer: The military or the F.B.I.
8

Which two political parties are represented in the book's profiles?

Answer: Democratic and Republican