DESTINATION:

“Once a year go somewhere that you’ve never been before.” –Dalai Lama

Bartlett, Illinois:

Bartlett is a Northwest suburb of Chicago and the hometown of our girl Friday, Lilah. It’s also a real place that you can visit. A very small town with that family-friendly community vibe that you walk away from with nothing but good memories. Which may be why Lilah was more than ready to return there for her vacation to decompress with family. 

A BRIEF OVERVIEW: Bartlett has gone through many changes from starting out as a camping and hunting ground for Indians. To the many settlements that moved in and out trying to stake there claim on the land. It has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade or so while maintaining their charm. But we will focus on the town that Lilah would have known from 2017 to 2018.

Bartlett is not the primary setting for Six Words. Lilah’s primary residence is downtown Chicago thanks to her job. However, when she revisits the old neighborhood, Tokyo Steakhouse is one of those restaurants, a Japenese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, where she celebrated a family members birthday. Also in Bartlett is this good hot dog place called, The Dogfather.

Bartlett, Illinois is also home to the Barlett Nature Center. A place where a plotter like Lilah would go for a jog and contemplate her next big move. It would also be a convenient summer date spot for teenage Lilah. 

Golf was never Lilah’s thing, but she would still know her way around a tee. Visiting her uncles on the course when her mother was working late was definitely a thing. Which paid off when it came time to schmooze with the higher-ups. So spend some time at Red Apple Orchard Golf Course.

Arts In Bartlett gave Lilah a taste of the finer cultured things in life. There was no going back to the dull drums. After some pressure to her mom, she would have taken a cello or violin course there. The only thing she wont admit to you is that she quit because in her mind it never happened.

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FOOD & DRINK:

Recipe Credit – ADD A PINCH

“A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.” –Thomas Keller 

Lo Mein

Lilah goes to dinner with the family and they’ve already ordered for her. The worst thing to happen when eating out. At least it was only Lo Mein. But she could totally make that at home. And you could try it too.

In SIX WORDS, Lilah’s mother orders Lo Mein for her.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 8 oz Spaghetti Noodles
• 8 oz Sliced Mushrooms
• 2 Sliced Carrots
• 1 Clove of Garlic (minced)
• 3 Tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce
• 1/2 Cup Snow Peas
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• 3 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drizzle in 1 tbsp of olive oil and cook noodles until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, mushrooms, and carrots and cook until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. until softened and browned. Stir in peas, and cook for three minutes more.

Stir together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Pour into skillet, add drained noodles to the vegetables and sauce mixture. Toss with tongs to coat and serve.

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Conversation Starters:

There are many valuable lessons we can glean from the story of Samson and Delilah that’s depicted in SIX WORDS.

(In general, Hollywood depictions of Lilah, is of the femme fatale and Samson is just a man who loved the women and fell short of God’s expectations.)

In truth, sin is rarely that cut and dry, but it does blind us. And this just may be one of the most important stories in the Bible because it proves to us that no one is forgotten. And God can use anyone to achieve his perfect will and you don’t have to be a saint.

The story also teaches us that evil comes in many forms. Some that are not immediately recognizable. Which is why you should take everything to God in prayer.

• What do you think Delilah of the Bible was really like and what were her possible motivations?

• Why do you think Samson made it to the “hall of faith” in the Bible?

Over 93% of Arabs are Muslim. Only 7% are Christian or in there language Druze. So you can imagine what societal pressures and isolations these Christians may experience. Yet, Samson doesn’t show any signs of such pressure from his family or friends.

• How much do you think Samson’s wealth plays a role in his being more accepted as a Arab Christian?

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Book Club Guide:

I won’t repeat it here. But you can print out the Book Club Discussion questions here. There also available in the back of the book.