Sorry about the lack of non-sports related content around here but I haven’t been feeling well of late and have been busy to boot. I did get a chance to review a good book over at Collected Miscellany (my book blog). The Flame Tree by Richard Lewis is a fascinating, poignant, and highly relevant story about faith and friendship in an age of violent conflict. Here is a teaser:
Flame Tree tells the story of Isaac Williams, a twelve-year old living and going to school in Wonobo, Indonesia with his missionary doctor parents. Isaac is a gifted student and has already mastered the local language. His curiosity has lead him out into the community and to a friendship with a local Muslim boy named Ismail. Despite their religious, cultural, and economic differences Isaac and Ismail have become best friends. Having recently returned from a visit to America, Isaac wants nothing more than to seek out adventures with his friend.
But ugly events intrude on Isaac’s formerly idyllic world when Muslim extremists begin to agitate in Wonobo. Tensions are high and the violence begins to escalate following the events of 9/11. Soon the missionary hospital, and the attached school, become a focal point of escalating world wide conflict. As events unfold Isaac is estranged from his best friend, separated from his parents, and taken hostage by the Muslim extremists.
