By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
“Learning to Listen to Palestine: A Personal Quest,” by Lani Lanchester, is a thought-provoking new book that chronicles the author’s transformative expedition across Israel, Palestine, Jordan and California as she engages in intimate conversations and immersive experiences with the intent of gaining a deeper understanding of the plight of the Palestinians.
The author assures readers that her book is neither political or “preachy.”
“Politics solves nothing, but it will call politics to the mat for dehumanizing people rather than uniting people,” Lanchester said. “It is not a preaching book, but it is an honest reflection of my personal quest in learning to see the Palestinian people as I walk out my own faith with God.”
“Learning to Listen” is broken into three pillars that involve a Palestinian theologian who clears up misconceptions about Israel and Palestine, an Israeli Jewish historian who details the history of Israel, and Bishop Desmond Tutu’s book, “The Book of Forgiving.”
Lanchester was inspired to write the book following devasting experiences in her life.
“As I navigated my grief of the loss of my father, the tragic death of a close friend, and broken relationships in my family, I discovered that grief is love without an object,” Lanchester said. “This beautiful cultivated love need not be wasted.”
“Learning to Listen” is intended for readers that would like to foster positive change in the world.
“People who want to make the world a better place; people who don’t know how to connect with dehumanized people; people who lack a voice, but desire peace,” Lanchester said.
It’s the author’s hope that her book aids readers on their journeys to become better listeners and peacemakers. It was important for the author to share the lessons she’s learned regarding love and peace with others.
“I hope they will learn to listen to people who may have made them uncomfortable before and gain compassion for their neighbors,” Lanchester said. “I hope readers will find the courage and motivation to talk to someone they haven’t spoken to before.”
In addition to being an author, Lanchester is a high school science teacher and the science chair for a school district. She is based in Modesto, California. For more information about the author and her work, visit listentopalestine.com.
“Learning to Listen to Palestine: A Personal Quest” is available for $12.99 (paperback) and $17.99 (hardcover) at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
