Why are some kids born with extraordinary abilities? Why are some people lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender? Why are some people deadly afraid of things for no apparent reason? Why are we instantly attracted to some people and not to others? J. R. Wexler creates an exciting tale of seven teenagers from all over the world that, despite their economic, religious, and cultural differences, come together during a lunar eclipse in 2017 and not only become best friends, but also discover a way to change the world and bring peace to all. The Book of 7 spans a full spectrum of religion, spirituality, personal growth, social change, relationships, and more, while unraveling questions of life and inspiring readers to make a change, both inside and out. The Book Of 7 By J. R. Wexler Balboa Press Copyright © 2018 J.R. Wexler All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-5043-9352-2 Contents The Chosen Seven, 1, The Day of the Event, 19, The River, 29, The Woods, 51, The Mountain, 67, The Eclipse, 91, The Wisdom of Peter, 99, CHAPTER 1 The Chosen Seven Santiago The sun was just rising outside a modest apartment in a lower-income neighborhood of Mar Del Plata, Argentina. The birds were beginning to chirp, the sounds of the city were starting to rise, and suddenly a seventeen-year-old boy was awakened by his mother, yelling at the top of her lungs.... "Santiago Garcia ... ven a comer ahora!" Santiago's mom, Victoria, was yelling up at him from downstairs. "English, Victoria, we are all working on our English," her husband, Fernando, said, sitting patiently at the breakfast table. "Well, if he heard me the first three times, I wouldn't have to yell," she replied. "Okay, okay," Fernando sighed, trying to calm her down. "It's not okay ... your son spends too much time with his head in those astronomy books. This moon eclipse thing ... He needs to spend more time in church and studying." "Tranquila, Victoria ... tranquila," he replied, sipping on his yerba mate. "English, Fernando — remember?" Victoria teased him with a loving grin on her face. Like most Argentine families, the Garcia family was very close. As for Santiago, he was a typical Argentine teenager: smart, handsome, educated, and devoted to his family. He had quite a few friends, but was something of an introvert, and spent much of his time looking at the stars. "Sorry, Mama. Sorry, Papa," he said as he ran down the stairs. "Did you know the eclipse is only a few weeks away?" "Yes, son, you've told us," replied his father. "Many times." "It can only be seen in North America though. I wish I could travel there to see it in person." "Well, that's a wonderful dream, but right now you need to get good grades, so you can get into college and then get a good job." "Okay, Papa, I'm going," he replied, grabbing a medialuna for the road. "Wait, Santiago, your book bag!" his mother yelled. "Y un beso!" Santiago ran back, got his book bag, and gave both parents a hug and kiss on both cheeks. "Okay, ciao!" As he was going out, the postman stopped him and said, "Santiago, there is a letter for you." "For me?" Santiago asked, excited. "Yes — a fancy one," the postman said. Santiago took the envelope and stared at it. It was black, square, with a thick, ornate gold trim around the edges. On the front, in finely written gold calligraphy, it read To Mr. Santiago Garcia, Calle Del Estero 71443, Mar De Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He opened the envelope quickly, finding a letter written in the same fancy handwriting, with gold inlaid paper. It read, Congratulations, Santiago! You are one of only seven people randomly selected from Earth's 7.5 billion inhabitants to enjoy a weekend at the home of billionaire Gerald O Donald, during the upcoming solar eclipse. You will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the eclipse, under the best possible conditions. On August 18, you will be picked up and driven to Astor Piazzolla International Airport, where Mr. O Donald s private jet will take you directly to his hilltop mansion in Portland, Oregon. You will return to Argentina on August 21. All expenses are included. Please RSVP by email to GO@Smartguy. com. Santiago stood on his doorstep, shocked, rereading the invitation repeatedly. He ran back into his house, saying, "Papa! Papa, look what just came for me!" "Another bill?" Fernando asked. "No. An invitation to go to America and see the eclipse! Can it be for real?" "What? Let me see that!" Fernando jumped out of his father's old chair and snatched the letter from his son's hand. He fumbled to get his reading glasses out of his front pocket and then read the letter in amazement. "It's true ... it's true!" Santiago said, watching the look on his father's face. "Mama! Mama! I am going to America!" Rachel In a small city in Israel, a woman by the name of Lottie Bernstein lit candles, about twenty minutes before sunset, in front of her husband, Saul, and two kids, Rachel and Jerry. She th