Trade Paperback ISBN: 9781416556701
eBook ISBN: 9781451610550
$14.99; 352 pp.
October 2011 from Howard Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster
About Book
of Dreams
For Dr. Elena Burroughs, life is
divided into two chapters—before and after the death of her husband. Today
marks the point that her span of being a wife is equal to her span of being a
widow. Even her success as a psychologist and her worldwide acclaim for a book
on the interpretation of dreams is dimmed by an unspoken “If only.”
Then a new patient arrives, one
so private only her first name is given. Impeccably dressed and escorted by two
bodyguards, Sandra recounts a frightening series of recurrent nightmares. Elena
agrees to consider her case more carefully, convinced that something ominous
may be at work here.
Elena's interpretation of
Sandra’s dreams confirms that, indeed, the new patient and her family confront
a powerful global network of dangerous forces. As the story unfolds, they face
a key question of the Christian life: How
do you understand and fulfill the will of God?
Read Chapter 1 of Book of Dreams for free
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Book-of-Dreams/Davis-Bunn/9781416556701/excerpt_with_id/17972
Davis
Bunn did his undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University in North
Carolina , where he earned honors degrees in both
economics and psychology. He then travelled to London , where he continued this dual
approach, earning a Master of Science degree in both industrial psychology and
international economics. After teaching at a Swiss university for a year, he
entered into a business career that took him to more than 40 countries in
Europe, Africa, and the Middle East .
Q
& A with Davis
Bunn
Your novels usually have a very strong sense of
place, and Book of Dreams is no
exception. Why did you set this story in Oxford ?
When it became possible for us to live from the writing,
Isabella and I moved to Oxford .
She had been offered a position to do her doctorate here in Christian ethics
and law.
I did not particularly want to come, but she was so
instrumental in making my own dreams of becoming a writer take wing and fly. Her
dream for years had been to obtain her PhD and teach. That’s just the kind of
mind she has.
The city and the university have become a true gift to us
both, with amazing opportunities for service and personal growth. I have wanted
to place a story here for a long time.
In Book of
Dreams, you revisit a theme from one of your earlier books, The Warning. Why did you write about the
crisis in the banking industry?
The
Warning, published in 2003, focused on the then-current financial
crisis. It was about a man who felt called by God to warn people that financial
upheaval was coming, and the difficulties he had in getting his message across.
That book was in the top five on the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association)
best-seller list for 14 months.
The week I started writing Book of Dreams, the news broke that not one single banker
responsible for the mortgage crisis and bank crisis had been convicted of a
crime. The banking industry came out of this crisis relatively unscathed while
3 million American families lost their homes — that’s almost 15 percent of all
homeowners in America .
That, to me, is just not right.
The banking industry is all about self-interest and making
money. The American banking industry spends $1 million a day lobbying Congress,
while the international banking industry spends another million per day
lobbying the American political system. With that much money on the table,
there’s a potential for huge profits – the banking industry wouldn’t invest
that much money for any other reason.
The question became: “What could happen that would stymie
this self-absorbed lobbying?”
The answer: An independent commission that would oversee
these transactions so there’d be nowhere for these people to hide. I built Book of Dreams around that premise.
Book of
Dreams explores the question:
“Where does the human psyche end and God begin?” Why did you choose that
question as the framework for your story?
Psychology has always fascinated me; so much so that it
almost became my profession. One question I love to explore is why so many
psychologists are vehemently opposed to the idea of a personal faith.
Those in the camp opposed to faith and religion say that
psychology is about wrestling with and identifying personal issues, emotions,
and things from the past that block one from being happy. Opponents believe that
when you insert faith into the situation, it serves as an excuse for not
looking at the past, not being honest about one’s emotions, and not taking
control of one’s life.
On the other side, there is a deepening within a group of
psychologists and psychiatrists who are strong in their faith. Rather than
trying to convince the larger group about the value of faith, their goal is to
look at things honestly, with God and prayer as components of the healing
process.
In my story, the main character, Elena Burroughs, is the
world’s foremost authority on dreams. A psychologist who is deeply involved in
current trends in human psychology, Elena is also a devoted believer. She is in
the process of discovering that the barrier between God and the human psyche
does not exist.
Your story explores how God uses dreams and
visions to communicate with people. What inspired that idea?
My wife and I did a wonderful Bible study on the book of
Daniel, in which we explored how dreams were one component of Daniel’s gift of
prophecy.
When I wrote the book, I tried to build in two key
components about communicating with God through dreams or visions. The first is
humility. Rather than using a vision or dream for one’s own aggrandizement, I
believe that the less the person is involved, the more God can shine through.
The second component is, “How does this vision tie in to the
scriptures?” When I was in the Middle East , I
saw beautiful cryptograms of the Lord’s Prayer. It was so telling to see the
Lord’s Prayer in terms of artwork. This inspired the idea of a book written in
Aramaic – the language Jesus spoke – with each verse of Lord’s Prayer on one
page of the book.
As I drafted the story, I looked at the Lord’s Prayer one
verse at a time and that became my prayer time. It took three months to write
the book and I did not finish the Lord’s Prayer in three months. It was a
beautiful experience for me.
When the character of Elena follows God’s lead,
her life takes a different path than the one she planned or expected. Davis , in what ways does
your own dependence on God’s leading take you in surprising directions?
It’s remarkable how this question comes up now, because it
seems like this entire year has been one of being open to God’s OTHER direction.
This has been true both in my creative work and in my walk of service.
Obviously I had no idea what was in store for us when I
wrote the Book of Dreams (remember,
the story is completed between nine and twelve months before its publication). But
this really has been a reflection of what the story has tried to reveal – that
sometimes the most important gift is what at first is what we fear.
Change often feels threatening, but so long as we struggle,
we can’t see the true divine intention. To arrive at this point, where our
prayer becomes one of genuinely seeking God’s call and His illumination, we
must first embrace the change that is there in front of us.
Do you write down your prayer requests? In what
ways do you recognize and acknowledge God’s power at work in your life?
What a beautiful question. There are several components to
this, and it goes back to the earlier issue of accepting change. There are
moments in my prayer life when I feel as though God is speaking the words for
me, and my task is first and foremost to treat my heart and mind like an open
window. To hold onto nothing except the moment, and allow the spiritual winds
to pass through me and on into the world. At these times it is important to
write them out, because oft when the moment is past I cannot otherwise even remember
what has transpired.
The other segment here is in dealing with change. I often
feel in such uncertain moments that I have no real understanding of what is
happening, or what God wishes to bring me to, until it is done. Looking back
becomes vital, and it is also sometimes rather hard, because the rush of events
and the speed of unfolding newness requires all my attention. And yet, if I can
pause just for a moment, and reflect upon all the uncertainty and fear I had to
wade through in order to simply respond with a simple openhearted “yes,” the
wisdom that comes from this moment of backward reflection is a gift, and needs
to be recorded.
Too often we seek completion, a sense of drawing everything
together into a nice tidy bundle before we stop and draw the prayerful breath. But
life is not like this. And here is the third element of discovery that has come
through my prayer time during this year of transition. It is important to stop,
just for a moment, in the pressure and the fatigue of a day’s end, and give
thanks for having made it this far.
For me, when the uncertainty of unfinished work pushes at my
every waking moment, there is a great temptation to forget this simple task. But
if I can stop and simply affirm the goodness of this incomplete day, this human
hour, this imperfect world, my NEXT day is so much fuller, and my vision so
much clearer.
Is a sequel for Book of Dreams planned? If so, when can we expect it?
I am this very moment completing the sequel, which is
entitled Hidden in Dreams. Howard/Simon
and Schuster have this slated for release in July 2012.
How can
readers find you on the Internet?
My website,
blog, and interactive discussion group are at www.davisbunn.com
I update my blog at least three times per
week. To subscribe to my latest posts via your feed reader or via email, click http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
Twitter:
@davisbunn - http://twitter.com/davisbunn
E-Newsletter: My free e-newsletter always includes a
giveaway contest for my latest book. To subscribe, fill out the form at www.davisbunn.com or send a blank e-mail to
davisbunn@aweber.com. You’ll receive
a confirmation e-mail. Click the link in that e-mail, and you’re all set.
Thank you, Davis, for stopping by my blog.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Book of Dreams: A Novel
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
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30 comments:
The storyline is so unique--and the first page/chapter is gripping. Can't wait to read.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
This book sounds like a really good read. Would enjoy reading it.
from South MS
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Very interesting!
Joyce in TN
Ohh, this book looks great. I've read Davis Bunn's work in the past, and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the chance!!
Katie from Florida
Can't wait to read this! What a great author!
Jenn Myers
Oklahoma
I would love to win a copy of this book! I am a poor student and I can't afford to buy the books I really want to read. I may be poor in money, but I am rich in Christ!
This sounds like one of those books you can't put down. Would love to win it.
Wilma
wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm in TN.
I've read many of Davis Bunn's books and enjoyed them all. He can write suspenseful thrillers but also sweet romances. My favorites are the suspenseful books. I'd very much enjoy winning a copy of "Book of Dreams." My book club will be reading and discussing his book, "Book of Hours" in December.
Thanks for giving away a book and for this interesting interview.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas
I am impressed by Davis' thoughtful seeking of God's will for himself and for his writing. I have enjoyed every book by Davis that I have read, and eagerly look forward to this next one.
So looking forward to reading this new book!
Flower Mound, TX
This books sounds very interesting. I have heard Davis Bunn speak at a conference and have always admired him. I would love to read the book.
In Illinois.
teshaw(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
thanks for the interview please enter me
I live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Looks interesting. I love books by Davis Bunn. Thanks for the chance to win!
God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
It looks interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks for a chance to win.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
I should pray more and like you believe that some things need recorded. As a gift, my Christian therapist gave me a blank book that she said should by my "Blessing Journal". It's good to stop every day and remember a good thing to be thankful for, even if it is small. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Looks interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
Would love to win.
God Bless!
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, NC.
I have read most of books that T.
Davis Bunn has written and really enjoyed them.
Please enter me in the drawing
for an opportunity to win the current book. God Bless You!
Dennie Richmond
Blanch, NC
I have read and reviewed some of Davis's books in the past. I'd love to win this one since it sounds like an amazing read. Thanks and God bless! Sherri5 @ pa . net
This book sounds like a very good read and quite interseting. I would love to read it.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
The premise has already gripped me! Thanks for an insightful interview.
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert AZ
love love oxford! and to read of your support for your wife is wonderful {plus her support of your writing!} would love to read this, definitely w/ anticipation for nxt year's upcoming release... thank you for this giveaway generosity
infuse at live dot ca
from CA
it's been too long since i read a Davis Bunn book (or Davis T. Bunn) and would love to read this one! Thanks for the chance.
mitzi_wanham[aat]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta
I have not read Davis Bunn books. Would love a chance to read the book.
I read the first chapter and I am ready to read the rest of the book. Thanks!
I Live north of Houston, Texas.
Blessings,
Patricia aka Mamaw
Love your books, looking forward to winning one of them....Faith's Grandma/Oh
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
love everything by Davis Bunn; even found some of his early works in the library basement, and devoured them. "riders of the pale horse" was amazing !
can't wait to read the new book!
Kay
IL
I recently discovered Davis Bunn through his Book of Hours, which I loved. British settings and authors continue to be my favorite, and I enjoy Christian writing with a male perspective. Davis, thank you.
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
Nancye in Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Can't wait to read this book! Davis Bunn's stories are always superb! Tara in Pennsylvania joentara@verizon.net
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