This debut novel that centers on coffee and its role in economic policy conflicts treats readers to a lot of economic theory, complete with professional jargon. * Library Journal *
This wonderfully enlightening book describes the Mayan culture in Guatemala and some of the sufferings these people have survived. It also teaches that through adversity and hardship God's love shines through and is shared with others. * CBA Retailers + Resources *
Coffee lovers are on a continual quest for the great cup of coffee. Dr. Bruce Wydick is on a simultaneous quest to understand how some of those great coffees are nurtured and grown by some of the world's poorest farmers. And that begins the story, the mystery, and the twists in The Taste of Many Mountains. The noble lives of the growers he portrays who farm the hillsides of Guatemala could only be developed by the heartfelt, firsthand knowledge of a researcher who has lived in their midst, agonized with their struggles, and admired their characters. Anybody who wants to `do good' needs to read The Taste of Many Mountains! An excellent novel in its own right---it also explodes the illusion of easy answers and cliche responses to the challenges of globalization and alleviating poverty. Dr. Wydick's first novel is brewed perfectly for his readers---full of rich body with double-shots of insight. * Santiago Jimmy Mellado, President & CEO Compassion International *
What actually works to reduce poverty in poor countries? A distinguished development economist uses the unusual format of a well-written, emotion-packed novel, weaving together careful history and sophisticated economics, to show the ordinary reader what works and what does not. Gripping, enlightening, and very readable. A must read. * Ron Sider, founder Evangelicals for Social Action *
Bruce Wydick's story is a tale of discovery, a quest to Central America to find out how the coffee trade really works. While sympathetically portraying a range of perspectives about international economics, wealth and poverty, the book is also a meditation on how we know anything about the workings of the economy. * Dean Scrimgeour, Assistant Professor of Economics, Colgate University *
Bruce Wydick successfully mixes adventure, mystery and economic analysis in his novel. His book will generate great discussions in an introductory Economic Development class or a Latin American studies course. Students with little or no exposure to life in a developing country will get a compassionate view of the origins of something we often take for granted: a cup of coffee. * Emily Conover, Assistant Professor of Economics, Hamilton College *
The Taste of Many Mountains will amuse, confuse, and perhaps displease its readers. While a novel about economics graduate students would seem to many to be, at best, an effective treatment for insomnia, this book is both engaging and thought-provoking. Anyone who is interested in reducing poverty in developing countries would learn much from this book, and those who think they already know how to achieve this goal are likely to learn the most. * Paul Glewwe, Professor, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota *
Building on a dominant, tangible ritual of modern society---coffee drinking---Bruce has crafted a thoughtful story of economic and personal discovery. The narrative is rich in economic principles, filled with insights into the richness and process of doing research fieldwork, and packed with perspectives on poverty and global markets. * Travis Lybbert, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California at Davis *
