| READ & FEED--May 2007 The Flame Tree by Richard Lewis This month my wife asked me to do the Read & Feed because she got a little behind on this month's selection. So, I picked one of own favorites to share. Why do we read? What make some books better than others? The best stories take me somewhere I've never been, touch my heart, and leave a lasting impression. The Flame Tree by Richard Lewis is one such novel. I was hooked by the first sentence: "The Tuan Guru Haji Abdullah Abubakar first appeared in twelve-year-old Isaac Williams's largely untroubled life on a Saturday morning in late August." From there the story of Isaac Williams, son of Christian missionaries, and his best friend Ismail Sutanto, a Muslim, unfolds in unexpected ways for Isaac and the reader. Don't be misled that this is advertised as a young adult novel. It's very much an adult novel as well. I admit that I knew little of the Muslim religion before reading this. After I finished the novel, I came away with a deep understanding of Muslim ways. While the Christian and Muslim cultures are different, their beliefs are strikingly similar. The Flame Tree is a coming of age story that you won't soon forget. It takes you to physical and emotional places. Set against the background of 9/11, Richard Lewis pulls no punches in this story of friendship, religious zeal, and forgiveness. This is the kind of novel that could and should find its way in school reading lists. Though Richard Lewis and I have never met in person, we run into each other frequently on the Internet. I consider it a privilege to know him and to count him as a friend. Do yourself a favor and get to know him through his novel. I promise you won't be disappointed. Check out Richard's websites: www.richardlewisauthor.com www.theflametree.com Now, for a special Read & Feed treat: a recipe from the author himself! Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. Of his Richard says, "I happen to have a recipe that stood me in good stead throughout my college life and bachelorhood and still even today, when I go on surf trips and can't rely on fresh food supply. Come to think of it, this is a terrific, simple recipe for an impoverished writer (or a writer beating a deadline and no time to cook or go out to eat)." 1 can tuna fish 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup Curry (paste or powder, Indian or Thai, depending on personal taste) Open both cans. Mix the contents of both cans (don't add water to the mushroom soup) in a suitable container and heat. Add curry to taste. Goes great with rice. Can serve up to four or one hungry surfer. |