Davis Bunn's Blog, page 34

Guest Reviewer Describes Experience with 'Book of Dreams' as 'Intensely Personal'

By Joy DeKok

Guest Reviewer

Dreams. Most of us have them and excuse them – we ate too much pizza too late or watched something upsetting on television.

In Davis Bunn's new novel, Book of Dreams, Dr. Elena Burroughs can't ignore hers or those of the others coming into her life. When an ancient manuscript is placed in her possession, her training as a psychologist shifts and she realizes her gift of interpretation has a purpose far greater than she could imagine. She and her new friends must confront an evil that jeopardizes the world economy.

If you feel me holding back on this review – I am. I don't want to give a single detail away that will ruin the adventure that reading this book is. Each word has been carefully chosen because I want you to discover each clue, nuance, and character for yourself.

Most of you know, I'm a Davis Bunn fan and will read every book he writes. If you ask me which one is my favorite, I can't give you a straight answer. It's the one I'm reading currently, the one I just read, or the one I just re-read – he cannot write them fast enough for me.

However, this time, he took me somewhere I did not want to go.

Dreams. Those nebulous, barely remembered in the morning, sometimes bizarre things that weigh heavy on my mind. Mine are in living color, scare me badly, and sometimes cause me to wake up crying out. (Dr. Elena Burroughs would have a heyday with them!) I can remember a vivid few from when I was a child that still frighten me a bit when I think of them.

Interpretation isn't likely to go beyond the pizza thing I mentioned earlier because trusting someone else with translating them would be weird. Or if anyone found out, they'd think I was weird. Maybe even a weirdo.

So, I keep them safely tucked inside myself. It's just safer that way.

And yet . . . for all my discomfort in the real world, I felt none of that reading this book.

I applaud Davis Bunn for the way he took a spiritually difficult (even radical in some circles) subject and made it entertaining. On every page I felt a gentleness I can't explain even though the book is full of energy, murder, financial espionage, and action.

The author dealt with the interpretation of dreams and the book of dreams, in a way that was mysterious, but not superstitious. While it didn't get overly religious, it is one of the most faith-filled books I've read in awhile.

I will visit the pages of this story again at least twice. When it comes out in the audio version, I will buy it for date nights – those evenings when Jon and I have coffee together and listen to strangers read us stories and again on my Kindle when I decide to visit the good doctor and her friends again.

Joy DeKok is an author, speaker, and author coach. One of Joy's favorite things to do is reading fiction curled up in a comfy chair in the winter and outside in her gazebo the rest of the year. She and her husband Jon live on 35 acres of woods and field in rural Minnesota.  They find great pleasure riding their John Deere Gator to their bog where they can listen to the bull frog choir, watch the birds, drink hot coffee, and hold hands. Visit Joy at Author Infusion.

Suspense and Spiritual Nuggets in 'Book of Dreams,' Says Reviewer

By Mary A. Hake

Guest Reviewer

I have long been a fan of Davis Bunn's books and enjoy the variety of subjects and the complexity they contain in story and plot. So I was willing to stick with Book of Dreams when it initially progressed slowly, gradually weaving its web like a spider poised to catch the reader.

Soon I was caught up in the drama of terrorizing nightmares, international finance intrigue, an ancient book with seemingly spiritual power, and the characters inhabiting this tale—with their fears and vulnerabilities, their losses and triumphs.

Psychologist Elena Burroughs, who practices at Oxford, has studied dreams and authored a bestseller on the subject. When a secretive client comes, accompanied by bodyguards, Elena embarks on a journey of exploration she's not certain she wants to pursue.

Her faith is stretched as she surrenders her profession and her entire life to God's work. He is calling her to something far beyond her "dreams," yet intertwined with strange dreams and real danger. As a priest told her early on, "The Lord clarifies." She and the rest of the international cast find this to be true.

This novel offers thrills of both suspense and spiritual nuggets of truth. I marked a number of pages containing treasures for future reference.

The possibility of the story's potential financial disaster actually occurring in modern times is unsettling.

The probability of learning to trust God no matter what happens is reassuring.

Thanks, Davis, for another provocative read that gives me much to chew on mentally.

Mary A. Hake is a freelance writer and editor, with hundreds of published pieces in periodicals and books, including a Creation curriculum for children. She also frequently reviews new books. Mary serves as president of Oregon Christian Writers and has helped with OCW conferences for many years. In addition, she chairs her local Library Advisory Board. Her website is maryhake.com.

Reader Question: What Was Davis Bunn's First Published Novel?

Mary asks:

Can you tell me the title of your first book to be published, if it was rejected at all beforehand, and if you had a literary agent?

Dear Mary,

My first published book was The Presence, released by Bethany House in 1991. Before then, I had written for nine years and completed seven books before this one was accepted.

As for an agent, this is becoming an increasingly important component of the writing life, even here in the inspirational field. Yes, I did have one, and she is my wife. Isabella was a corporate attorney at the time, and when my initial agent retired she offered to take his place. She sold my first book, and has represented me ever since.

*Note: The Presence is out of print, but you can still find copies at online booksellers and through your local library. You'll find it listed under T. Davis Bunn.  I dropped the "T" from my name several years ago, so my newer books identify me as "Davis Bunn." But they are one and the same person!

Radio Interview With Davis Bunn

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to chat with Giovanni Gelati on his BlogTalkRadio show, Gelati's Scoop. We discussed many topics, including how I fleshed out the character of the Arab Christian protagonist in my novel, Lion of Babylon; what it's like to teach creative writing at Oxford University, and the joys and challenges of working with my wife, Isabella.  I hope you'll listen to the entire interview and let me know what you think.

Also, I wanted to share with you an excerpt from a review of Lion of Babylon published on the Truth in Fiction blog by Sarah Elisabeth. Sarah writes:

"What blew me away more than anything, though, is the sheer amount of research Davis Bunn must have conducted before attempting to write this tale. Not only Iraqi history and culture, but international relationships and policies, military operations, the Saddam regime, and every detail of post war Bagdad itself, complete with the varying attitudes and feelings of the Iraqi people and US soldiers. Incredible work."

Three New Ways to Win 'Book of Dreams' This Week

This week, three new bloggers are running giveaway contests for my novel, Book of Dreams. I hope you'll enter all three contests, and read their full reviews.

First, an excerpt from a review by Margie Vawter at her blog, The Writer's Tool:

"Several times I highlighted passages that especially spoke to me about the way God works and directs His children into fulfilling the purposes for which He created them. I highly recommend Book of Dreams and I look forward to reading the sequel, Hidden in Dreams."

Contest #1: Daysong Reflections by Pamela Morrisson

"Book of Dreams is another prime example of the excellent fiction I have come to expect from Davis Bunn. Not only does he write suspenseful and intriguing novels but they are almost always relevant to current events and/or culture and also convey a strong message of faith. Book of Dreams is no exception."

Click here to enter by Friday, November 4, 2011 

Contest #2: Giveaway Lady by Charity Lyman

"Davis Bunn pulls off the whole plot deliciously!"

Click here to enter by Saturday, November 5, 2011

Contest #3: Multiple Sclerosis by Bonnie Hastings

Click here to enter by Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Readers Share How 'Lion of Babylon' Has Impacted Their Lives

I am thrilled beyond words by the personal notes readers of Lion of Babylon send me. I would like to share some of them here.

From Gary:

I have just finished my third reading of Lion of Babylon. And I am telling myself to lay it aside for awhile again. Hard to do. I have decided that this is most certainly a prophetic book. Not in the story line, but in the tidbits of information you share along the way and how you tie them in to spiritual concepts.

I feel like I have pierced through the fog of the Middle East by your teaching. And I am renewed in the truth that ALL of God's people are led by the Spirit of God, in big ways and small ways. I feel like I am handling gold when I hold and read this book.

From Bill:

Exciting, warm and, for me with my Lebanese Arab culture, so meaningful. Thank you!

From Kieran:

Lion of Babylon is both brilliant and riveting. I read it from start to finish because I simply could not put it down.

While I am not in a position to have an opinion of any merit on your writing—I know what I like and I loved the book. It has a certain interactive nature that caused me to be having a dialogue with myself while keeping up with the fast past action. It is thought provoking and, as usual, well-documented by no doubt hundreds of hours or research and interviews. Bring on the movie!

From Carolyn:

I'll be passing Lion of Babylon on to a reading friend. My, oh my, will she be surprised!  Your superbly crafted characters never fail to bless!

From Laural:

I was impressed by how the believers, the Iraqi believers in particular, did not just hang the Christian banner over their heads. They made it abundantly clear that it's all about Jesus. It's all about Jesus!

This is such a wake-up call as to just how precious our faith should be to us. As with all of your books, I had a really hard time detaching emotionally from these characters when I turned the last page. To me, that is a sign of a good read, a very good read.

From Judith:

The greatest revelation I received from Lion of Babylon was when Marc and Sameh had gone to the underground church, and Sameh was so humbled at the touch of the Holy Spirit during the time they had held hands with people they didn't know, and repeated the Lord's Prayer.

As an American, I feel sometimes we miss that awe of freely worshipping, and I had to stop to cry and pray for believers around the world not as fortunate as I.

I am beginning to see people of different faiths as Our Father God does. He knows no color, race or religious beliefs. He knows our souls, faithfulness and love for Him. I want to be a God-chaser, and not miss His voice when He speaks to me!

From David:

Lion of Babylon is one of your best. I had a hard time putting it down so I could get some sleep. The ending was a surprise.

Iraq Native Points Out Inaccuracies in 'Lion of Babylon'

Ezdihar Hassoun writes:

I have been reading your book Lion of Babylon and have enjoyed the story so far (finished almost half of it).

I am originally from Iraq and have been in the USA for 21 years. I visited Baghdad 4 times after the occupation/liberation and could well imagine the situations/places you have described in your book.

I have been also really impressed on how precise you described the Iraqi personality in some places. I understand the book was an imaginary story but you have stated several points which occurred to be facts, and unfortunately, some of them were incorrect.

I wished you had asked an Iraqi person to review the book for you before it was published. Below, are some of those mistakes and will let you know if I find some more:

Ramadan CAN NEVER be 28 days. It is either 29 or 30 days.
The last time Ramadan happened to be in the summer, was in the 80s. Now it is moving towards the summer again, like it started today (August 1, 2010) and will move back 10 days every year, so it won't be in May until probably 2017. During the occupation, Ramadan was always during the winter and was never in May.
Abdul Kader Al-Gailani was NOT a Shia leader like what you stated. On the contrary, he was one of the very famous Sunni leaders in Iraq. In fact, Shia Muslims may get irritated if they hear that Al-Gailani has been indicated as one of their leaders!
The names you chose were very uncommon Iraqi names. We have never had any person in Iraq called Al-Jacobi (from Jacob). In Iraq Jacob is called Ya'coob and if you were to use that as a last name it should have been "Al-Ya'coobi." They never use the name "Abdul". They never use "Lahm" as a name. Lahm in Arabic means "Meat" and using that as a name made me laugh.

I hope you didn't get offended by that message and as I said, the book is really good and I really enjoyed the part that I have already finished. Best regards!

Ezdihar Hassoun, Ph.D.

Professor

The University of Toledo

College of Pharmacy

Dear Dr. Hassoun,

I cannot tell you what a delight it was to receive your email. The points you have mentioned have been noted carefully, and some changes will be made to the reprint. Particularly the Ramadan dating and the correct background of Al-Galiani. These are crucial points, for which I am most grateful.

The naming of Jacobi and Lahm will remain as they are. Jacobi was as close as I could come to the pronunciation in a form that would be swiftly accepted by a US reader with no background knowledge of your wonderful land. And Lahm is interesting. But Lahm he is, and Lahm he will remain.

One point you might find of interest. My primary source for most of the scenes written through the Arab's eyes was the son of a senior Iraqi cleric. I cannot say how senior without giving his identity away, which I promised not to do. He and I became friends several years ago, and many of our discussions centered upon how difficult it was for westerners to be interested in contemporary Arab fiction and film.

I was trying to explain the concepts of universal archetypes, and the unconscious demand for stories to follow certain patterns, and was making little headway, until I suggested he actually participate in the formation of a story. But one where the Arab needed to be a Christian.

He agreed, and in so doing we took our friendship to an entirely new level. This exercise became a real education, as much for me as for him and perhaps more. The wisdom of your lands, the heritage, and the richness came to life in the way this gentleman revealed his heart. It was a gift, one that has left me deeply bonded to your nation. I completed this book a richer man.

Here's a bit of personal background about why I wrote Lion of Babylon:

After completing my graduate studies, I taught at a at the American University of Switzerland for a year. This was the year the AU of Lebanon was forced to close because of the conflict, and a number of their students migrated to our school.

My background was economics and finance – I only began writing in my thirties. I was hired by a family that had moved their company from Beirut to Switzerland, an international consortium that owned part of John Deere in Saudi Arabia, a shipping company moved to Athens, and one of the largest generic pharmaceutical groups in Switzerland. I was the only non-Moslem in the management structure, and part of my job requirements was to take instruction in the Koran and Islamic history from an imam teaching at the local university.

I have long wanted to put this part of my personal heritage to use in a story, but it was not until I met the Shia leader's son that I found myself in the position to structure a true Arab's viewpoint.

To have a local like yourself speak in this way about my efforts, my first attempt at a Middle East story, means a great deal.

Again, thank you for writing.

Warm personal regards,

Davis

Readers Ask Questions About 'Lion of Babylon'

JuJohns asks:

I learned so much about Iraq and the confusing political climate there. Is there really an underground church like the one you described?

Dear JuJohns,

The structure of the church is indeed very real. The home churches, the secrecy, the need for security at their larger gatherings, how every newcomer must be vetted, all this is real.

As is the larger gathering, and how these are now bridging centuries of divides, not merely between Muslims and Christians, but between Muslims themselves – Shia worshipping with Sunni, so rare it is unheard of and rarely even dreamed upon. Miracles abound.

Laura asks:

Did you spend time in Iraq, and how did you find out so much information about the people, culture and language?

Dear Laura,

Lion has been a long time in coming; I started researching it almost four years ago. That's the way with some projects, they germinate at such a slow pace, it's a wonder they ever actually take form. The turning point for this one was a divine gift, in the form of the son of a senior cleric of Iraq, who became my friend, revealed his world to me, and became the character of Jaffar in the story.

Judith asks:

Is Lion the first in a series about Marc Royce? There is so much still unresolved.

Dear Judith,

Yes indeed, Marc will be returning. I am currently hard at work on the initial draft of the sequel to Lion of Babylon. Bethany House has it scheduled for release next spring. The title is Rare Earth.

Susan comments:

I definitely had some late night reading 'cause I could not put down Lion of Babylon! I wasn't thinking happy thoughts as I pulled myself out of bed after keeping the lights on for reading well past when they should have been out but I certainly enjoyed the story.

I have to admit it is the first pleasure reading I have done in a long, long time–something about being consumed with running my business and all the reading (definitely not pleasure) that goes into that.

Davis, you had to do A LOT of research for this—you sound like a military and special ops expert.

My father was a special ops/intelligence guy working under the cover of the US Embassy in several different countries  where he was assigned. Would you believe he was in plain clothes at all the speeches Mussolini did from his balcony in the Piazza Venezia in Rome to the people??That includes the one where he declared war against the US. He was a diplomatic prisoner of war from that day until about 9 months later when he was traded in an exchange at sea back to the US. Anyway, thank you so much for a terrific read!

Dear Susan,

Your words about your father sound like a superb start to a future story. I'd love to hear more at some point. One of my most successful series, about the Acadia crisis that I co-wrote with Janette Oke, started in a very similar fashion, when a fan described how her own French forebears had been evicted from Canada by the British. The resulting research led to a five-book series that sold over two million copies.

'Lion of Babylon' is a Light Bulb of Hopeful Reality, Says Reviewer

By Dawn Richardson

Guest Reviewer

Please read Lion of Babylon, especially if you really enjoy:

1. Praying for the Middle East

2. Brilliantly hopeful books about the Middle East

3. Insight into life in Iraq

4. Fascinatingly engaging books in general

Yesterday a friend called me while she was reading Lion of Babylon.

"Dawn, I called you because you need to read this book immediately. I'm loaning it to someone when I finish it, so I won't be able to loan it to you soon. Besides, you need to have your own copy. Consider this your final warning. You need to read this book as soon as possible. It's incredibly relevant for where you are headed and what God is positioning you for."

Given that I am going to Baghdad this November to visit and I am planning to semi-move there next year, I was hungrily curious to jump into the book's story.

We talked a bit more about the book. I said, "bye" and went out and bought it.

I started it immediately. Today I finished it. 378 pages in two days.

This book is a slice into the complexities of religion braided with politics in the Middle East. It is also a light bulb of hopeful reality flipped on in a seemingly dark room.

One of my favorite bits was, "At this point, your group included members of the new Alliance Party. Sunni and Shia and Kurds. All coming together to talk about Jesus. Not about religion, or differences, or tribes, or cultures, or politics. The aim that you shared, to unite your country, was no longer an impossible dream. It was happening. The miracle was coming. Through prayer. Through Jesus. Without even saying the words." (p 283-284)

This was right around the time I gave up trying to read the book in a public setting. I simply could not blockade my tears any longer.

I hope to meet the author one day so I can thank him in person for the hope, vision, and time he invested in writing this book and thereby believing for HOPE for Iraq. Meanwhile, YOU might want to consider reading this book and praying for sweet Iraq to meet the One who has always wooed her to Himself. It is going to be fun and beautiful to see glory and hope arise in the Middle East!

5 Opportunities to Win Book of Dreams' This Week

Friends,

I wanted to share the latest blogger reviews of my new novel, Book of Dreams, with you, and to alert you of FIVE opportunities to win a copy. To enter the giveaway contests, simply click the links to each blog and follow each blogger's instructions.

Here are excerpts from two reviews I just received:

Tammy's Book Parlor by Tammy Griffin

http://tammybookparlor.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-tour-and-giveaway-book-of-dreams.html

"This has to be one of the MOST intriguing and complex stories that I've ever read! Simply fabulous… I'm not sure I'll ever think of dreams the same way again." 

Enter Tammy's giveaway contest by November 4

Thoughts of a Sojourner by Mark Buzard

http://thoughtsofasojourner.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-of-dreams-by-davis-bunn-and.html

"I walked away with… the message: It is of utmost importance to find God's will for our lives, and to do it. It won't always be easy, but He will make a way…"

Enter Mark's giveaway contest by November 8

PLUS Three Additional Giveaway Contests

Links to each giveaway on my blog, or click each of the following links:

Blogging Bistro by Laura Christianson

Click here to enter Laura's giveaway contest. Enter by October 28

One Desert Rose by Linda Wagner

Click here to enter Linda's giveaway contest. Enter by October 28

By the Book by Beckie Burnham

Click here to enter Beckie's giveaway contest. Enter by October 31