A special, midday at Elliott Bay reading. Oregon radio journalist Naseem Rakha, whose award-wining pieces air on NPR, has written one of those rare novels that is praised for its nuance and artfulness and, at the same time, has helped shape and affect social and political discussion. Her debut novel, The Crying Tree (Broadway), has at its heart a tragedy—and then, in ways moving, eventual, and surprising, a transcendence through that tragedy. "This complex, layered story of a family's journey toward justice and forgiveness comes together through spellbinding storytelling." – Publishers Weekly. "For anyone who has ever wondered how forgiveness is possible, even then the pain is overwhelming. The Crying Tree takes you on a journey you won't soon forget." – Sister Helen Prejean. Please check with the Elliott Bay Café at (206) 682-6664, or www.elliottbaycafe.com by Tuesday, February 23 for special box-lunch options available as part of this program.