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"Discuss Playing with the Enemy with the author!"

Playing with the Enemy Reading Group Guide
Developed by SavasBeatie LLC

We hope these thought-provoking questions lead to some lively book discussions.

1. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
2. What similarities did you find between Sesser, Illinois and the town you lived in when you were 15? What were you passionate about at that age?
3. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think the author is trying to get across to the reader?
4. Do any of the people in Playing with the Enemy remind you of yourself or someone you know? Do you find yourself relating personally to any of the people?
5. At what point in the story do you feel Gene lost his innocence?
6. Who was Gene's "Guardian Angel" and why?
7. What are the differences between Gene before Camp Ruston and after Camp Ruston?
8. How would you describe the relationship between Ray and Gene?
9. What did you find surprising about this story?
10. Do you believe Gene ever fully accepted his life without baseball?
11. Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?
12. Has reading Playing with the Enemy increased your interest in Baseball? World War II? Small town America?
13. Did reading Playing with the Enemy lead you to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
14. Will you recommend Playing with the Enemy to others and why?
15. Is there a difference between the western German naval POWs of WWII, and the Islamo-Fascist POWs today?
16. Why do you think many readers claim that Playing with the Enemy transcends baseball and military history?

Christian Reading Group Guide
Developed by Sandy Batchelar

Playing with the Enemy: A Baseball Prodigy, a World at War, and a Field of Broken Dreams, by Gary Moore

1. Why would God bless Gene Moore with such a phenomenal athletic gift and then allow an injury that would prevent Gene from fulfilling his dream?
2. Did Gene Moore ever realize that his value in God's eyes was not determined by his athletic ability?
3. The theme of jealousy is found throughout the Bible. How did jealousy affect both Ward and Gene at different times in their lives, and what impact did it have on their relationship as brothers?
4. How did Gene Moore reflect Christ's love for us when he befriended his German enemy, Heinrich Mueller?
5. Gene's ankle injury was life-changing. As Christians, how are we to respond when our life is changed by an unexpected event that turns our world upside down?
6. How can God use shattered dreams to change our lives for good?
7. The Bible tells us, "A friend loves at all times," and Gene Moore and Ray Laws became loyal friends. How did Gene show Ray what a true friend he really was during their last game together?
8. What Biblical lesson did Heinrich teach Gene about the importance of leaving a lasting legacy as a good husband and father versus the fleeting legacy of a baseball hero?
9. How did God use Judy Jenkins' field of broken dreams to redeem Gene Moore from the pit and give him a second chance at life?
10. How would Gene Moore's life have been different if he had fully given his field of broken dreams to God instead of carrying them alone for all those years?
11. How has reading Playing with the Enemy influenced your Christian walk?

Award winning author Gary W. Moore is enthusiastic and available to speak with your book club or school classroom via speaker phone or computer chat room. To book a session with Gary, contact sarahs@savasbeatie.com.

Southwest Airlines is the Proud Sponsor of the Playing with the Enemy Hardcover Book Tour!