Book Review: First Fridays: Conversations about Spirituality Later in Life

First Fridays: Conversations about Spirituality Later in Life, Dick Hattan

, Xlibris, September 2022. Paperback, hardcover, and eBook, 166 pages.

Reviewed by Marcie Hill.

In the foreword of the book, Michael B. Mann writes, “First Fridays is the story of a journey undertaken by two older men of faith and their search for meaning in their aging, changing worlds… What they found was more meaning, more purpose, and more understanding.” 

Author Dick Hattan sets out on a quest to find someone to help him understand healing prayer based on an incident that occurred in the past. While attending a church event, he asks one of the lay leaders if she knows of anyone involved in healing prayer. She mentions Bill, one of the priests at the church, and introduces them. Dick and Bill’s initial meeting is a divine connection that grows into a spiritual and meaningful relationship through a series of First Friday conversations.

The conversations between seventy-five-year-old Dick and ninety-three-year-old Bill, which are the focus of the book, are natural. However, the growth and depth of their relationship is supernatural. Bill challenges Dick’s belief system and allows him to grow and mature in his faith and spirituality. Bill also uses his knowledge and wisdom to prepare Dick for his calling. One has to wonder if Bill knows that preparing Dick for spiritual assignments is one of his purposes. 

Some chapters of the book draw readers into those First Friday meetings, making them feel as if they are invited guests. Many of the conversations begin with Bill asking Dick questions or encouraging him to share his thoughts.

Dick initiates a few. New spiritual subjects are introduced, while others are clarified. As a bonus, Dicks shares some of his original poems throughout the book.

Readers will admire Dick’s courage to be vulnerable. Confessing his feelings about moral injury after holding on to decades of guilt. Sharing his mother’s battle with dementia with strangers. Giving presentations “on the spirituality of veterans” to veterans. His strength is equally admirable. While he is helping others to cope with their challenges, he is going through his own healing process.  He prays with others even as he experiences burnout.

First Fridays is an interesting read for anyone interested in the topics of spirituality and relationships, or people who are open to learning.  Like Bill and Dick, readers will learn that it is never too late to seek your purpose; to live a life of meaning; and to ask questions and gain understanding. You can reinvent yourself at any age. Spiritual and natural gifts may not be immediately obvious, but they will be revealed to you. Lastly, spirituality is not always wrapped in theological things. As Dick says, “…It was everything.”