I first “met” Mirka M.G. Breen when she left a comment on one of my very early blog posts. I was excited to discover she was a fellow author…and I have to say, her middle grade novel THE VOICE OF THUNDER (WiDo Publishing, August 2012) looked fascinating. I am thrilled to feature it for this week’s BOOK BITE!
Who is your main character? Tell me about her. What is she like?
Mira is a ten year old shy, studious, and contemplative Israeli girl living in west Jerusalem on the eve of the Six day War, in an apartment building where her best friend Gili and their families make an extended family of sorts. The two best fiends share a tight bond, even as they form a contrast in personalities. This is a duet of a shy redhead Mira and a boisterous dark complected Gili, as they navigate a war, their families, and their friendship.
What would Mira and Gili choose for their last meals?
Mira will likely choose not to eat a thing if she knew her end was near. But Gili would not hesitate and have her mother make her special Sabbath meal, replete with fresh baked Challa bread. It’s very name, Shabbat, brings waves of peaceful warmth.
How about you? What would you choose for your last meal?
I am with Mira on this, and maybe it’s not a coincidence ;)… If I knew this was to be my last, I would not be eating at all. I never understood the concept of relishing the thought of food at times of stress.
Why should someone bite into THE VOICE OF THUNDER?
If you like the idea of visiting someplace very different from anywhere you’ve known, a place that three great faiths called “the center of the world,” Jerusalem is the place bar none. Reading is the closest we come to time and place travel without leaving home. In my reading and writing I like to take you with me, and offer a feast for the imagination.
Do you have a recipe you’d like to share?
As part of Sabbath in Jerusalem, I include my favorite Carrot Kugel recipe. It’s more than delicious and nutritious. It’s economical and keeps well, if you can keep others from finishing it on the spot.
CARROT KUGEL
Pre-heat oven to 350, and have a 9” round casserole baking dish greased or sprayed with non-stick.
Mix:
• 5 cups coarsely grated carrots
• Six beaten eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• A teaspoon each of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• Half a cup vegetable oil
• I cup coarsely chopped nuts (optional)
Add:
1 cup matzo or cracker meal mixed with on tablespoon baking powder
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for an hour and twenty minutes. Serve hot.
Thank you so much for sharing this “bite” of you book, and this recipe. I love what you say about being able to travel somewhere by reading a book. I feel the same can be true to a lesser extent by eating foods from different parts of the world.
You can connect with with Mirka M.G. Breen and learn more about THE VOICE OF THUNDER on her WEBSITE and on AMAZON. Also, check out some reviews at KIRKUS REVIEW and THE JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL.
[subscribe2]
Great interview with a great author! Thanks, ladies!
Thanks for an interesting interview! I love THE VOICE OF THUNDER, and it looks like I’d love that Carrot Kugel, too. Sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing.
Carrot kugel sounds delish! Thanks for sharing Mirka’s “bite.”
Fun interview! I’ve read the book, and it’s awesome!
Wow, that carrot kugel recipe sounds good! I read THE VOICE OF THUNDER and found it a fascinating window into a particular time and place.
Great interview, Mirka! I enjoyed The Voice of Thunder SO much but it’s been quite awhile since I read it. The interview took me back and makes me want to read it again, and I am definitely going to try this recipe!
Mira and Gili … friends from the past! How fun to read this interview and with a recipe too!!! Thank you both for a great interview.