Join Geoff Hopkins, a pastor who found himself in a life-or-death situation, and his daughter Lillani, a geography student passionate about volcanoes, as they relive their harrowing experience during the Whakaari/White Island eruption. They share heart-stopping moments of joy before chaos struck and the frantic yet courageous efforts to rescue the injured. Their emotional journey highlights the bond between father and daughter, the importance of hope in despair, and the ongoing process of healing after trauma.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Whakaari Visit
Leilani and Geoff Hopkins visited Whakaari/White Island.
This was to celebrate Geoff's 50th birthday and a shared dream.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Post-Tour
After the tour, they boarded the boat, excited about the experience.
The eruption occurred minutes later.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Eruption and Rescue
The volcano erupted while their boat was returning.
47 people were left stranded on the island, prompting an immediate rescue operation.
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In this novel, Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, kills a wolf that turns out to be an immortal faerie. As punishment, she is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court. Initially hostile, Feyre's feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion as she adapts to her new home. However, an ancient, wicked shadow threatens the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world. The book is a retelling inspired by fairy tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Tam Lin', and it combines elements of romance, adventure, and high fantasy[2][4][5].
James
Percival Everett
Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
Lovely One
Ketanji Brown Jackson
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
On December 9, 2019, Pastor Geoff Hopkins and his 22-year-old daughter, Lillani, visited Whakaari/White Island to celebrate Geoff’s 50th birthday—a long-held dream. But as their boat began its return to the mainland, the volcano suddenly erupted, leaving 47 people on the island to endure its blast. Geoff and Lillani quickly found themselves swept up in a rescue operation. Now, they join host Cassie De Pecol to share the unforgettable story of that day.
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Against The Odds 
