Against the backdrop of September 11, 2001, Lewis draws on his own experience as the son of missionaries in Indonesia to craft a forceful novel about friendship, faith, and forgiveness. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

The graphic depiction of terrorist acts (such as beheadings) may be too intense for some readers, but Lewis poses some provocative questions about faith and fervor in this gritty first novel set in Indonesia around the time of September 11. The author explores the issues, at least initially, through the friendship of main character Isaac, who is living with his missionary physician parents, and his Muslim friend Ismail. Despite the friends' obvious biblical names, the way they relate to each other unfolds subtly and authentically. But as anti-American (and anti-infidel) sentiments rise in the days leading up to the bombing of the World Trade Center, Ismail turns against Isaac. At first, the author depicts the growing tension between them realistically, and readers can almost feel Isaac's pain and confusion at his friend's cold shoulder. But soon the narrative paints the issues in broad strokes and the characters' relationship gets lost in the larger themes. When Isaac's parents decide their son should leave Indonesia for the U.S., he is kidnapped by Islamic fanatics bent on converting him into a Muslim (occasioning graphic details of his forced circumcision). The author (himself the son of missionaries) reveals links between two seemingly opposed religions and explores reasons that many Islamic people resent Americans. Showing how religious ideas and ideals can breed atrocities against humanity, he creates a riveting read. Ages 12-up. (Aug.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 8 Up Cracks appear in the comfortable certainties of 12-year-old Isaac Williams's life in Indonesia when a radical Muslim leader targets the American hospital where his missionary doctor parents work and his friend Ismail joins the movement. The situation deteriorates quickly after September 11, 2001, when the sight of the toppling towers in New York emboldens the Javanese militants. When the Baptist compound is evacuated, Isaac's parents insist on staying behind to continue their work. The evacuation helicopters are attacked, but Isaac miraculously escapes, only to be captured and kept hostage by members of the fundamentalist movement, including his favorite former teacher. Forced to study the Qur'an and learn about Muslim theology, the boy finds it surprisingly similar to his own fundamentalist beliefs, but providing considerably more comfort for its believers than his own distant and judgmental God. Before his release, Isaac undergoes a forced circumcision, described in excruciating detail. The scene will haunt readers and may limit the audience for this otherwise extraordinary look at one small portion of the Muslim world. The author's love for his childhood home is evident in the lush details of the Javanese natural and cultural world. Isaac is an interesting and well-developed character, resilient enough to survive serious physical and emotional challenges and compassionate enough to forgive his captors in the end. This is a remarkable reading experience for students willing to enmesh themselves in a different world. Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington, DC Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information