Monday, January 25, 2010

Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker... And a Giveaway

Is it really possible to love one’s enemies?

That’s the question that sparked a fascinating and, at times, terrifying journey into the heart of the Middle East during the summer of 2008. It was a trip that began in Egypt, passed beneath the steel and glass high rises of Saudi Arabia, then wound through the bullet- pocked alleyways of Beirut and dusty streets of Damascus, before ending at the cradle of the world’s three major religions: Jerusalem.


Tea with Hezbollah combines nail-biting narrative with the texture of rich historical background, as readers join novelist Ted Dekker and his co-author and Middle East expert, Carl Medearis, on a hair-raising journey. They are with them in every rocky cab ride, late-night border crossing, and back-room conversation as they sit down one-on-one with some of the most notorious leaders of the Arab world. These candid discussions with leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas, with muftis, sheikhs, and ayatollahs, with Osama bin Laden’s brothers, reveal these men to be real people with emotions, fears, and hopes of their own. Along the way, Dekker and Medearis discover surprising answers and even more surprising questions that they could not have anticipated—questions that lead straight to the heart of Middle Eastern conflict.


Through powerful narrative Tea With Hezbollah will draw the West into a completely fresh understanding of those we call our enemies and the teaching that dares us to love them. A must read for all who see the looming threat rising in the Middle East.

This was different from Ted Dekker's other books, mainly because this is non-fiction. Dekker and his friend Carl Medearis trek through Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Israel, and other countries in the mid-east, talking to people from the Hamas, and other enemies of the US.

The book was a fascinating read, and Dekker does a great job of portraying what it was like for him to be on enemy territory, wondering if he would make it safely back home.

The main purpose of the book is about loving our enemies, and he tackles that idea pretty well in addition to exciting and fascinating narrative about his travels.

I had a couple of issues with the book - Dekker uses "God" when talking about Allah or God, and they are not the same, and he refers to the "so-called war on terror." I feel he could have been a little more pro-USA and less pro-Muslim in the book and still got his idea of loving our enemies across. It was still an enjoyable read, and a good reminder.


About the authors:

Ted Dekker is the author of many nationally best-selling novels, including Bone Man’s Daughters, The Circle Series, Thr3e, and House. His unique style of storytelling has captured the attention of millions worldwide. Visit him at TedDekker.com and Facebook.com/TedDekker.

Carl Medearis is an international expert in the field of Arab-American and Muslim-Christian relations. He acts as a catalyst for a number of current movements in the Middle East to promote peace-making and to promote cultural, political and religious dialog leading toward reconciliation. He is the author of the acclaimed book on these issues Muslims, Christians and Jesus. Visit him at http://www.carlmedearis.com/.

The giveaway:

Courtesy of the publisher, I have one copy of Tea With Hezbollah to give away.
US entries only
To enter, comment telling if you have read any Ted Dekker books, and if so, what is your favorite.
A winner will be drawn 10 days from today, February 4.

To learn more about or purchase these books at RandomHouse.com.
Thanks to Waterbrook/Multnomah for the review and giveaway copies.

16 comments:

Christy said...

I have only read one book by Ted Dekker, however it was co authored by Frank Peretti and it was a little weird at first. When I finally figured out what the story was...it got better. Anywho, I would like to enter to win this book by Ted Dekker.

Annette W. said...

I read Blink of an Eye and the Blessed books (child/adult) though I don't recall the titles. I tried one other book, but didn't care for it. It's time I get back into reading him!

Molly said...

I have only read one book and that was his book GREEN. Would love to win this one. Thanks!

Blessings and hugs,
Molly
mollydawn1981 at aol dot com

Reading said...

I have not read anything by Ted Dekker. Thanks for the giveaway.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Carmen said...

I've read several of Ted's books. My favorite is Adam--the subject matter is of great importance to me and it's so well written.

Please enter me for Tea With Hezbollah. Sounds like a great read.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

The Book Club Network - TBCN said...

I would love to read this book. It sounds really interesting. I've read many of Ted Dekker books. Love his older ones and the one he wrote with Erin Healy.

Please put my name in the hat for this drawing.

Blessing
Nora St.Laurent
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I have not read a book yet by this
author, however, I would like to
start with this one.
Please enter me for this very
interesting book.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Mark said...

Email entry for Karen K

rubynreba said...

No, I have not read any books by Ted Dekker. Thanks for the chance.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Anonymous said...

I haven't read a book by Ted Dekker yet. Would love to read this one.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Steve-n-Deb said...

I've read some Dekker books. Kiss was probably the best and Saint was second. House and the one about the computer game were not enjoyed.

If you enjoyed this book, you might enjoy Brother Andrew's books on his ministry in the Middle East.

Steven said...

I've read lots of Dekker books but my favorite is probably "Showdown." Would definitely like to read this one.

Kim M. said...

Haven't read Dekker yet, but I have definitely heard of him and hope I can still be entered.

Winning Readings said...

I gave Boneman's Daughter away for Christmas - I didn't get a chance to read it first, though! Would love to read this one.

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

Kristi said...

Boneman's Daughter was great - but I am reading the Bride collector and Burn right now so it is a toss up!

kherbrand at comcast dot net

Karen Cunningham said...

I have not read any books authored by Ted Dekker. I am a fan of ficion books. Would love to win the copy being given away. I believe this is a must read at this crucial time we live in. Will recommend it to friends and family.
In Christ love,
Karen Cunningham