Lara, Forever

"Lara, Forever" is the first in a series of eight books by Youssef Khalim, begun in 2002. Four were inspired by ladies encountered overseas. Lara is one of the four inspired by Americans. Khalim says, "I met Lara in the summer of 2001, at a real-life Cheers-like, Cocktail Lounge and Bar, where she bartends. I remember our first meeting because you can't forget her eyes. And I was writing for her from the very beginning because I had to write down the words, 'Rhine Wine,' to make her understand what I wanted. "Later, I was struck by her extraordinary beauty and lovely personality. I wrote down feelings and experiences to form this book. "In the fall of 2001, she went to Las Vegas, and she was gone for about a week. I missed her so much that I composed 'You Too Will Love Heaven,' upon her return. With the creative juices now flowing, I completed 'Extraordinary Beauty.' Then, I was inspired to do 'Golden Girl,' and later, 'Signs I'm Falling In Love With You,' by Lara, and one of our mutual. . . ."