In his inspirational book, Seydou’s Christmas Tree, journalist, novelist and literary explorer Joel Thurtell recalls how he and his wife learned the meaning of Christmas as Peace Corps volunteers living on the parched savanna of Togo, West Africa.

Thanks to a young Muslim friend.

The boy’s dad was the imam, who led prayers.

His mom protected and advised the Americans.

Their son, Seydou, was flunking out of the rigid, French-style Togolese elementary school, but in all matters that fell outside the classroom, Seydou was an expert.

Seydou shows us that whether we are Muslim or Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, animist or atheist, our similarities outweigh our differences, and we are all connected.

The book was published by Hardalee Press of Plymouth, Michigan. It may be purchased through amazon.com

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