Ali's Dream is the story of Ali, an eleven-year-old boy living in 'Akká (present-day Israel) in 1912, whose life becomes a quest for the meaning of a mysterious dream. This dream leads him to carefully study his Bahá'í heritage, and sets him on a course to discover his own spiritual destiny. Author John S. Hatcher has woven together scenes and fascinating details of the history of the Bahá'í Faith-stories of heroism and heartrending drama-drawing from them universal truths about sacrifice, suffering, and the spiritual qualities required in growing up. Ali's Dream is an adventure into which readers may enter with Ali to seek those qualities and ideals that result from commitment to a cause greater than themselves. It will give readers a relatable and personal window into a fascinating piece of history, as well as a coming-of-age story about what it means to grow up and find one's place within one's cultural heritage.
John S. Hatcher is a professor emeritus of English Literature at the University of South Florida and holds degrees in English Literature and Old and Middle English Literature and Linguistics from the University of Georgia. He is the author of numerous books on Bahá'í theology and scripture. He lives near Tampa, FL.
Ali's Dream
I read this book, Ali's Dream, three times. One to myself, once to my husband while he drove us to our destination, and once to two children. This book has a story of a young boy on a quest to find the answers to his dream. The boy is fictional, but all the facts he uncovers about the Baha'i Faith are true. A wonderful way to learn the history of the Baha'i Faith. It was in this book that I learned why Baha'u'llah waited 10 years from 1853 to 1863 before announcing His spiritual station as the latest Manifestation of God. Read the story and you will also know why. This is not only for young people; a person of any age can learn from this book.