Tea with Hezbollah by Ted Dekker & Carl Medearis (and a contest!)

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.

Ted Dekker is the author of many nationally bestselling novels, including Bone Man’s Daughters, The Circle Trilogy, Thr3e, and House, which was coauthored by Frank Peretti. His unique style of storytelling has captured the attention of millions worldwide. Visit him at TedDekker.com.
Carl Medearis is the founder and president of International Initiatives, LLC, an organization that promotes cultural, educational, and commercial exchange between the East and the West. He is an advisor on Arab affairs to the members of the U.S. Congress and leaders in international business.

If you would like to learn more about purchasing Tea with Hezbollah, click here.

I have to admit, I didn't read this book.  I tried, really I did.  With the exception of the book Kiss, co-authored with Erin Healy, I've never been much of a fan of Ted Dekker's writing.  I read the first few chapters of this book, thinking that I might appreciate a non-fiction book by Mr. Dekker; but I just couldn't get into it.  That being said, I can't really "review" the book.  However, I did pass my copy along to a friend - one who is a Dekker fan - and I'll come back and revisit this post with his thoughts on the book at a later date.

In the meantime, I have a copy to give away!  All you have to do to be entered in the drawing is to leave me a comment.  If you're a Ted Dekker fan, please tell me which of his books is your favorite.  If you're not a fan, please tell me what it is about Tea with Hezbollah that appeals to you.  I'll have a random drawing on Monday, February 1st, and announce the winner at that time.  Good luck!


Want additional chances to win?  If so, just do one or more of the following (be sure to leave a separate comment for each) - each one will get you an additional chance to win!

• Follow my blog (simply click on the "follow" button at the top of my right-hand sidebar).  If you're already a follower, that counts too!
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• Tweet about this contest, with a link back to this post.  Be sure to tell me your Twitter name, so I can follow you!
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