Pari Forood

The Goodwill Mission Pari Forood

In 1982, a young girl joins an elite chorus called the Singing Pines from a high school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After performing at a Miami Dolphins football game, the group catches the attention of the CIA, who invite them to appear on the Today Show. The group is soon sent on a State Department-sponsored goodwill mission to Poland, unaware of the ulterior motive behind their tour. As they perform for captivated audiences, the Singing Pines encounter challenges from Polish authorities, student unions, and hostile regimes. Despite the language barrier and danger, the group realizes their strength and what they can accomplish. Based on a true story, this novel follows the journey of 16, 17, and 18-year-old American teenagers as they unwittingly become part of a plan to help Poland achieve democracy through the subtle art of influence and music. Narrated by the 17-year-old heroine, Jordan Davis, the story is set in Florida, New York, Washington, D. C., and various cities in Poland. Interspersed throughout the narrative are historical references to real events, giving an accurate picture of the U. S. government and Vatican involvement in the first cracks in the iron curtain. With themes of bravery, diplomacy, and the power of music, this is a captivating and inspiring story of how a group of young Americans helped to bring down the iron curtain.