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It is not possible to comprehend God. Merely to utter
the name "God" is to be plunged into mystery. But that doesn't mean that we are in the dark, where all cats are gray.At least it did not for the Hebrews, or the praying Christians in their train....[The Hebrews] took the trouble to find out what was revealed,
to observe closely, to understand responsibly,
to use their heads, and then to respond, to answer...[T]hey went to their knees in a pool of light--an illuminating word, two words,
maybe even a few sentences that revealed
God to them, and by which they courageously
decided to live in faith. The Psalms are
personal answers to the personal revelation,
prayers conditioned by God's word,
not by the soul's moods. 

   Eugene Peterson
      Answering God: The Psalms As Tools For Prayer
Madeleine L'Engle said that her writing was a form of prayer (she wrote fiction and non-fiction). I read that years ago and wondered how or if that could be true... until a few days ago when I read the above quote and it suddenly dawned on me that the children's novel I've been working on for the past 15 years has been a prayer... a psalm. It's my response to the pool of light, the bits and pieces of God that I've seen. And God has become so much bigger and more real to me because of the journey.

Christmas seems an appropriate time to talk about The Caves of Fire because, while the story begins in our world, the fantasy world has its roots in the belief system of the Wise Men who followed the Christmas star. Their prophet said that someday a great king would come who would bring peace and safety to the entire world and that when they saw his star they should follow it.

So yes, I really have given birth -- to a book. And, yes, I will be interviewed about it on TV in December. I've also been interviewed on the radio. It's 7 minute long and you can hear it here



Reviews of The Caves of Fire have been glowing. Here are just a few:
Fantastic book! I read this novel out loud to my kids and we all enjoyed it. Berklund-Pagé writes in the style of Madeleine L'Engle (Wrinkle in Time) and Katherine Paterson (Bridge to Terabithia). Themes and values are explored that really make you think but are never preachy. This led to some lively discussions with my kids. It is a great story that draws you in from the first page. Highly recommended.
My son was excited at the sight of it and devoured it.
As a teacher, I read it with the 10 to 14-year-old in mind. I think they will love it! The story moves along at a good clip with interesting characters.
I like Fee's impressions of Daniel's world such as the treehouse
and swing (would be great for a discussion on point of view).
Also, how he is all about the smells. Love that.
And that scene of Fee in the bathroom with the bubble bath! Kids will love that. Just the right amount of bathroom humour.
Imaginative, fun, thought-provoking… Berklund-Pagé possesses
a vivid imagination plus the technical skills needed to express
her ideas in top-notch writing.

Is Caves of Fire for everyone?

Nope.

This book is for:
-- 9-13 year olds who like fantasy 
-- Adults who like allegories (Think The Chronicles of Narnia)
 

If you have someone like that on your Christmas list, I would, of course, be delighted if you'd consider giving them my book. Some brick and mortar stores have it in stock, but if not they can order it. It’s also, of course, available through Amazon.

And lastly, for a chuckle, here's the author bio I wrote.

Kathy was born in the United States, which—as her Canadian husband loves to point out—is not her fault. She spent several years in France as a teen and young adult. While there, she learned French double-quick (no one her age spoke English) and met a handsome Canadian. Despite their best efforts, they fell in love, so they opened an atlas and said, “Where do we want to live?” The beautiful Quebec City won. Two decades and three children later, they moved to Montreal, where they still live.
 
Kathy loved reading, but never thought of writing until an English professor said, “I think you could be a good writer if you were willing to work at it.” She wasn’t, but many years later she changed her mind. She’s written drama, humor, reflections and newsletters. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail and Christianity Today. The Caves of Fire is her first novel.
 
One day, one of Kathy’s children suggested a genie might pop out of the bathroom sink. The Caves of Fire grew from that thought. What finally popped out, though, wasn’t a genie… and it definitely wasn’t from the sink. They all agree this is much more fun—and gross. She hopes you like it.

Warmly,


(and of course Ron!)
Copyright © 2018 Ron and Kathy Pagé, All rights reserved.


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