The Bread of Life

For the Table...For Eternity

By: Tom Iselin

Narrated by: Kris Monroe

This audiobook dispels misconceptions about breadmaking and Christian living. Listeners discover kneading dough doesn’t require hours of tedious work, Popeye forearms, or a baking diploma, and a satisfying relationship with God doesn’t require joining the choir, giving away all your money, or becoming a missionary in a remote village in Africa.

“People love to eat bread, but they believe making bread is time-consuming and complicated,” says Tom who started baking in fourth grade. “Not so. Anyone can bake delicious bread on their first try. The truth is, making homemade bread takes less "hands on" time than making most homemade cakes and cookies. People of all ages have been baking bread for 60 centuries using just flour, water, yeast, and salt. The whole process is quite simple."

Wannabe bakers learn why precisely measuring ingredients might be precisely why their bread falls short of fame, how to knead dough quickly and easily, and how to make dozens of flavor variations from one simple recipe. Tom provides tidbits of food science to unravel the mysteries of baking, and his novel approach to measuring flour and testing for doneness practically guarantee consistent, great-tasting bread.

Tom believes once people understand a few basic breadmaking principles, apply a handful of baking skills, and begin to trust their senses, the “Ah, I get it factor” becomes a regular occurrence. “Then, people realize how silly it was to think breadmaking is difficult.”

The Bread of Life takes a parallel approach to discussing Christian living. “Most people have misconceptions about Christianity and what it means to live a Christian lifestyle,” says Tom, who’s been a lifelong church goer. “They think Christianity is about rules, oppression, shame, and guilt. Wrong. All wrong. The Christian lifestyle is freeing, exciting, and based on a relationship–a friendship–with God. It’s about love, grace, forgiveness, and justice. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, just better.”

Listeners discover how to keep God front and center in their lives, why it’s important to remain faithful when misfortunes strike, and how to experience lasting joy verses fleeting happiness. The audiobook highlights the importance of measuring success and quality of life by God’s standards, not society’s. There are also tips and aspiring affirmations on how to trust God more and worry less, and how to use your God-given gifts and skills to help others.

Unfortunately, some people are frightened of Christianity because they’ve had a bad experience with a church, denomination, or their parents dragged them to church, forcing them to sit on rock-hard pews, recite stoic prayers, and listen to bald-headed priests who mumbled in Latin. Tom invites listeners to let go of past experiences and take a fresh approach to learning the truths behind Christianity and what it means to live a Christian lifestyle in today’s world.

The Bread of Life is receiving praise for its self-deprecating humor and unusual honesty. Fascinating insights, unexpected wit, and friendly conversational style keep listeners' attention as they learn how to make memorable bread or ponder their purpose in life.

The audiobook offers seven easy-to-prepare recipes including French bread, honey whole-wheat bread, and a glazed dinner roll recipe from Tom’s grandmother, who was a famous chef in Wisconsin. Recipe instructions are clear, detailed, and reinforce the skills listeners learned throughout the audiobook.

©2004 Tom Iselin (P)2023 Tom Iselin