1 comments about Opposing Viewpoints Series - Terrorism (paperback edition) (Opposing Viewpoints Series).

1. The Opposing Viewpoints series of books are aimed primarily at young adults and seek to introduce information from varied sides of important issues to readers as they begin to develop their own worldview; the editors also hope to help readers learn how to think critically and remain open to conflicting ideas and arguments. The new 2004 edition of Terrorism: Opposing Viewpoints contains twenty-five short articles and essays addressing central tenets of terrorism and the war against it. I decided to read this book after noticing the inclusion of an article by Noam Chomsky; given the fact that Chomsky is exceedingly anti-America and anti-Israel, I felt compelled to know just what this book (and others like it) might be teaching our children. I found a number of good things in these pages, but I also noticed several problems (including a small but significant bias toward the liberal viewpoint).
   
   I would have thought it needless to say that this book does not feature arguments for and against terrorism; unfortunately, Chomsky's typical screed is all but pro-terrorist and, much to my surprise, the book actually contains one essay that originates with Hamas itself. I have no problem with essays seeking to explain or even defend Hamas, but I personally don't think propaganda taken directly from a terrorist organization belongs anywhere near this book - especially when there is no counter-balancing article or essay reflecting the views of the Israeli or American governments.
   
   Most of the issues are addressed in pairs and set the framework for honest debate, but a couple of articles stand alone in their argument, which I have to chalk up as a negative. The book begins by posing a seemingly nonsensical question, namely whether terrorism is an actual threat. Paul Bremer and John Ashcroft do a good job encapsulating the seriousness of the threat, while other contributors argue that the threat has been exaggerated. (Chomsky, of course, contends that the U.S. and Israel are the only two terrorist groups or nations in the entire world.) The debate then turns to the origins of terrorism: whether Islam itself, economic conditions, and/or the Israel-Palestine situation encourage terrorism. The next item on the agenda is America's proper response to terrorism, which gives us pro and con articles on the Patriot Act (which is never given an adequate description), racial profiling, and immigration restrictions. Finally, the proper response of the international community to terrorism is addressed, with contributors arguing the merits of UN leadership, military action, and the brokering of a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
   
   For the most part, Terrorism: Opposing Viewpoints can serve as a decent starting point for youngsters coming to terms with the threat of terrorism or those who wish to get a better feel for the debate - but only in conjunction with other sources of information. Each article is rather short (3 to 8 pages or so), so there is not a great deal of detail included. I see a major weakness here, as what you get is debate in the absence of the basic facts you need to know about the issues. I do believe there is a discernible amount of liberal bias overall in the selections chosen by the editor, as well (particularly in terms of the views expressed about Israel). As a result, I cannot really recommend this book in good conscience, especially to young people, unless it is complemented by other sources of information and debate.

4 comments about The Palestinians: In Search of a Just Peace.

1. Cheryl A. Rubenberg gives readers an accurate picture of the conflict in her 450 page paperback packed with information. The Palestinians: In Search of a Just Peace is a book of great research and logic. She points out the truth that "perceptions of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict are so deeply imbued with biases and stereotypes-typically unrecognized as such-that we often do not grasp the fundamental issues." Simply put, if you get this book you will grasp the fundamental issues.
   
   Her central focus is the so called Oslo "peace process" but she covers the whole of the conflict from the beginning to the present with powerful examples that go under-reported to unreported here in America and includes in her endnotes other startling facts that never get exposed in mainstream discussions. Her thesis is brutally honest: Israel never intended to withdraw from the Occupied Territories based on UN Security Council Resolution 242 and Israel never intended on permitting a genuinely independent Palestinian state.
   
   Facts that pro-Israeli and some pro-Palestinian writers leave out she doesn't shy away from. Readers will learn things that might shock them if they have relied on the dishonest sources and media presentations that dominate public perceptions. With the book you will get the full picture. You will learn not only what Israel has been up to but also how the Palestinian Authority, with its corruption and repression, "has contributed significantly to the deterioration of Palestinian society."
   
   It is important for Americans to learn the horrific examples of Zionist cruelty. This book is really well written and gives a good sampling of events PLUS the endnotes contain even more cases of barbarism that may just open the eyes of some willing to act like a human being and not a robotic apologist for the "Jewish State."
   
   The examples of what one can find in her endnotes are really shocking and she exposes attempts to suppress it. Read about Irgun's savagery in details you may never have heard before, this is what Deir Yassin was: "... on April 9. 1948, Menachem Begin's Irgun massacred 254 people-mostly old men, women, and children-then mutilated, raped, disemboweled, and paraded their corpses through the streets of Jerusalem." (from endnote 51) She notes that this was not an isolated incident.
   
   And she points out that Begin bragged about this "triumph" when he wrote about it in his book published in 1951 but he removed reference to it in a revised edition of his book in 1977.
   
   For those who thought it was only the Palestinians who fled and were refused entry back into Israel that lost property and land without reparations, this book is a wake up call. In the first 8 years, the Jewish State took away a staggering 50% of all the land owned by Palestinians remaining in Israel. The shocking fact is some 39,000 Palestinians who never left were robbed anyway! "Israel seized property an land from some 39,000 Palestinians who escaped expulsion and remained in Israel. It was never retuned, and these individuals never received compensation although they are citizens of Israel." (from endnote 67)
   
   If you want to know what you are talking about when it comes to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, this is the book for you. Rubenberg spells it out clearly, buy The Palestinians: In Search of a Just Peace today.



2. Rubenberg tells us she wants justice. Well that's nice. I want justice. For everyone. I want human rights, including rights to life, liberty, and property. For everyone. As near as I can tell, Rubenberg does not.
   
   If you are reading this review and are not so sure that I am being fair in making such statements, I challenge you to pretend that you do not know whether you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or Pagan. That you do not know whether you are a soldier or a civilian. That you do not know what nationality you are. Pretend that you'll find out only after you decide what fairness and justice are. Then decide what is fair and just. If you do that and still read Rubenberg's book, I think you'll quickly see how far Rubenberg is from advocating justice.
   
   Without justice, there are no rights. Without truth, there is no justice. And, having read her book, it seems to me that Rubenberg can't stand truth. She starts by making misleading statements about demography and land ownership. She skips the entire history of Arab attacks on Jews and replaces it with absurd fabrications about Zionism's purpose, intentions, and history. At all times, she appears to oppose both justice and human rights and seems ready to fight to the last Arab to hurt Israel.
   
   Rubenberg doesn't like Arafat either, blaming him for agreeing to negotiate with Israel about the disputed territories. And, of course, she does not like the United States, a nation that to her is under the thumb of the infamous Zionist Lobby and is therefore unwilling to oppose any Israeli policies. It makes me wonder why she bothered accepting her position at Florida International University in the first place.
   
   I found it embarrassing that a fellow human being could be so dishonest and nasty.
   
   Still, I have to admit that I did read the book, and all her notes. She says that perhaps the best account of the history of Jerusalem is the one by Karen Armstrong. I had just read it!
   
   Avoid both books.



3. Contrary to the vague and ambiguous accusations leveled by other reviewers who have supposedly read the book, the content of this book is completely even-handed in its criticisms of everybody who is harming ordinary Palestinians. One could even do a Rawlsian-style thought experiment - as Jill Malter advocates - and come away with this conclusion.
   
   In some chapters Rubenberg provides ample statistics regarding the daily property destruction, colonization, and targeting of Palestinian civilians (by Israeli military and settlers alike) occurring in the Occupied Territories. Then in other chapters, she issues devastating critiques of the thuggish corruption and nepotism of the Palestinian Authority. Her balanced criticism of all parties leaves no doubt that her work is not "anti-jewish" or "anti-israeli," but rather pro-Palestinian -- excoriating any practice or party that inhibits the Palestinian people's basic human rights as provided by international human rights and humanitarian laws.
   
   Rubenberg does an outstanding job at filling in the gaps in knowledge that the media creates through their reporting patterns (it may be understandable that suicide bombings garner countless hours of coverage while the uprooting of Palestinian citrus trees or the sealing of Palestinian homes garner none, but it is unfortunate nontheless). As such, it is a treasure.
   
   It is certainly telling that those who criticize the book cannot cite anything specificically wrong in its analysis, and instead just whine about the what they perceive as the implicit messages of the book.



4. Cheryl Rubenburg provides a detailed yet gripping description of the plight of the Palestinians. For those of us who are not scholars of the history or politics of the Middle East, it is quite a significant challenge to provide an accurate and very detailed account of the facts and circumstances regarding this pivotal conflict without creating tedious reading. Cheryl Rubenberg accomplishes this task with a sense of mastery. The scholarship behind the book does not get in the way of enticing one to read on. I found this book to be extremely informative and very deeply disturbing - I could not put it down. Each chapter is supported by numerous citations from highly reputable sources for those wishing to pursue their scholarship. This is a very timely and deeply moving book that all Americans should read, so that we may better find our way forward in re-shaping our foreign policy.

5 comments about Chasing Ghosts: A Soldier's Fight for America from Baghdad to Washington.

1. Paul Rieckhoff's new book CHASING GHOSTS is a must read for every citizen of the United States--and for those who cannot read, a family member of friend should read it to them. It is not simply Rieckhoff's stunningly honest telling of his experience as a soldier in Iraq, it is among the finest reports yet written on that highly unnecessary conflict for which we Americans are ultimately responsible. Get and read this book at your earliest opportunity! If you do, you will quickly find out what being patriotic actually means. In addition to the joy you will feel from the way this is written with such daring honesty, simplicity, passion, responsibility, uncomplicated intelligence, insight and vision--you will be stunned, shocked, amazed, thrilled, and you will weep, laugh and be frightened for this book contains real, raw truth. But the unexpected surprise will probably be your own renewed desire to be a much better human being and American. This might be the finest book yet written in our new century--by a young man who is genuinely human and humane and wishes to share his profound observations and thoughts with all of us. CHASING GHOSTS is as good as it gets.--Wayne Adams, NYC



2. Paul Rieckhoff will not tell you he is a writer, but he accomplished in one go what thousands of writers for generations have attempted to do. His entire heart resides between the letters, the lines and pages of this book. The book is political, but Rieckoff smears Left and Right into an uncivilized and counter-productive bloody blur on the mud-stucco wall. His statement is clear; we were not prepared for the War in Iraq, and it is despicable that every last politician in the U.S. Government that voted for the war doesn't hold themselves publicly accountable. This work, this piece of history, this golden nugget for the historian 25-1000 years from now, belongs on the shelf with every other important historical perspective, from Anne Frank to Hirohito. And with his heart is where you'll find the value, the truth, of this source; between the lines. Isn't that where it always is?
   
   This American society seems to be obsessed and compelled with the phrase "On the Ground." President Bush, and both candidates have puked the phrase more than enough times in reference to their connection with the plight and circumstance of our sons and daughters placed in harms way. But they visit the Green Zone, or Baghdad International Airport. They haul through streets to meet with Generals for photo ops and high-tea, perhaps saving a little time to have a meal with the grunts. But the truth isn't near the water cooler conversation with a West Point Graduate selected to lead on the level of political capital the appointment will spawn. The truth is in the words of the soldiers in cities like Tal Afar, sleeping with their rifle, crapping while taking fire, sweeping a street for booby traps. Sorry Ali Baba, the booby has left, he's headed back to his plush home in D.C. ready to say that he has the word.
   
   But they are wrong. Rieckoff has the word, and the heart behind it to make the reader believe; like a good leader should. He was there, he saw it, and if you read this book, it's safest alternative to enlistment. That is why this book will be read by every War Historian for the next 100 years. If you don't buy it, then find it.



3. Personally I am not a big reader of books. However, with a brother in his 3rd tour in Iraq and growing up in a military family and having known Paul as a simple aquaintance in high school, I was excited to check out his book. Not many people from our high school make it into the public eye like Paul has. From the moment I picked up the book I was hooked. It is a powerful and inspiring account of a true and rare American patriot. A patriot who knows what his beliefs are and who is willing to put his life on the line to defend those beliefs. It stirred up a lot of emotions from laughter, tears, and in the end a belief that our soldiers are true heros. I would definately recommend this to anyone and do. Congratulations Paul and look forward to following your inspring career in the years ahead.



4. As someone who has read a large amount of literature concerning the current state of international affairs, specifically in the "War on Terror" and as a hopeful future officer in the United States Army, I found Paul Rieckhoff's account of his time as a platoon leader in Iraq to be not only well-written, but helpful and insightful. From the accounts of under-equipped Guard units, to the sometimes seemingly trivial nature of the Rules Of Engagement, the book paints a quite vivid, and scarily what I imagine to be accurate, picture of the face of America's first gander at twenty-first century warfare.
   Though I found parts of the read to be erie in nature, and though the book provokes questions and doubts about our great nation's leadership and decision-makers, it in no way influenced me to give up joining the military. Rieckhoff has made it clear that the country's leadership is quite questionable, and in part of his writing acknowledges the fact that a new generation of veterans will soon be stepping into the political realm.
   
   Chasing Ghosts deserves to be read.



5. This was a great book and an easy read as it kept you engaged and intrigued. Enjoy!

No comments about Geographies of Power: Placing Scale.

3 comments about Fortress America: On the Frontlines of Homeland Security --An Inside Look at the Coming Surveillance State.

1. FORTRESS AMERICA is a well written, engrossing account of what we know so far and what COULD happen if forces go unchecked. We are, thankfully, a government of checks and balances and while most of the extreme scenarios in this book may not become a reality, it makes me even more vigilant that small measures (like the Patriot Act) do not snowball into larger issues. The fact remains that the future is even more uncertain than ever and I hope to never live in a country that would put my name on a list (or search my home or detain me or my family or even worse) for buying this book. I want to thank Mr. Brzezinski for exercising his First Amendment rights and would recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about the fate of personal liberties in this country.
   I'm sorry to see that Amazon.com has become another political forum, of which maybe we have too many, instead of a book forum. It is hard to separate the two here, but previous reviewers seem to think that the two go hand in hand. Matthew Brzezinski's FORTRESS AMERICA is a necessary look at the COMING (see subtitle) surveillance state. It's not here yet and will hopefully never be here--but to guard against that, Americans have must voice their concerns and let their fears be known. We're not talking about the ragged old man announcing the end of the world with a placard on his back; we're talking about a serious journalist with serious concerns. I, for one, am glad to have read this, whether Mr. Brzezinski's predictions come to light or not. At least someone is watchful and willing to be vocal about things like this--not an easy feat in these days of the Patriot Act.



2. The ease with which Mr. Brzezinski criticizes our nation's Homeland Security efforts would be admirable indeed if he would only provide his readers with viable alternative solutions. He chooses not to do so, except to point to Israel as the paragon of national security(???). After picking this book up, hopeful that it would be the first successful author's effort to identify problems and solutions, I was very quickly disappointed in his facile, specious arguments. Brzezinski is a prolific and artful writer who, at the end of the day, has nothing constructive to offer...who excels at writing "think pieces" but has no experience in--or awareness of--the complexities involved in constructing local, state, and national policy (and then synchronizing them so they don't conflict). Perhaps he's done all of this by design...identify random problems, criticize the ongoing effort, produce an alarmist forecast, and then save the solutions for a second volume? That would be a good plan, but somehow I can't help but think Matthew Brzezinski will keep us waiting as he writes another "critical think piece" on something else that touches national nerves, and of course, sells books.



3. This book does shed some light on previously little known topics. It is a book that must be read carefully.

5 comments about 9/11 Revealed: The Unanswered Questions.

1. I was browsing Border's the other week. Being a 9/11 Truth activist the past six months, I saw "9/11" on the cover of this book naturally stopped and picked it up. I am well aware that David Ray Griffin's two books are available at the mainstream bookstores, but I figured that they were pretty much the only ones in which US Government complicity is entertained. Oh, and Michael Ruppert's "Crossing the Rubicon."
   
   Anyway, I opened this book and was pleasantly surprised to find that is indeed a 9/11 Truth book, dedicated to activists of the 9/11 Truth Movement. The book is rich with color pictures, like Eric Hufschmid's "Painful Questions." Unlike "Painful Questions," however (which isn't available in stores), this is an umbrella book which exposes the neophyte to the entire spectrum of 9/11 issues within the 9/11 Skeptics Movement, the label the authors use for the movement. It explores the absence of F-16s intercepting the hijacked planes, the war game exercises Dick Cheney was conducting on the morning of 9/11 to deliberately confuse/paralyze NORAD, the physics of the Tower collapses/implosions, the Northwoods Documents, and many others.
   
   What's interesting to note is that the "official story" itself has two basic versions, the first of which is essentially obsolete. This version was that such an evil attack as 9/11, such a crime against humanity, was unthinkable, so unthinkable that the government had no idea that terrorists could ever conceive of such an attack! This was the version the American public accepted when it was paralyzed by fear and nationalism. However, the 9/11 Commission Report in 2004 gives us Version Two of the official version. This version holds that the US government screwed up big-time, failed to connect the dots, and needs to really learn from its mistakes. This version tacitly acknowledges that 9/11 could indeed have been prevented.
   
   Then there are two alternative theories: LIHOP and MIHOP. Let-it-happen-on-purpose, and Made-it-happen-on-purpose. There is really not much difference between the two except that in MIHOP, there could be an X-team of clandestine operatives who carry out operations designed to give the A-team exactly what it wants. In this case, an example of an X-team would be the crew who rigs the Towers with explosives. Another example could be the individuals who are remotely piloting any of the planes (original or drone). These X-team operatives insured that the Pentagon was hit in the empty section. MIHOP proponents argue that the risk of pure LIHOP would be too great; for example the hijackers could crash into Rumsfeld's office, or strike a nuclear power plant instead, which would have rendered much of the country uninhabitable.
   
   Flight 93 mysteries are also explored, from the Cleveland Airport mystery (Did flight 93 make an emergency landing?) to the possibility of a USAF shoot-down. I think that whatever object was flying over PA was shot down, whether it was the original plane or a substituted one. The supposed bin Laden confession videos are also discussed.
   
   An amazing book. The fact that this, in addition to Griffin, is hitting the corporate bookshelves, is not only a testament to the First Amendment itself, but a glimmer of hope that people are finally waking up! Part of it has been the luxury of time. On 9/12/01, we had yet to see how the US would respond. Now we know BushCo lied about the WMDs, Saddam's non-existent ties to al Qaeda, and the non-relationship between Iraq and 9/11. We are at a period in American history now where many citizens, in the privacy of their hearts, are asking themselves if these same people are just as blatantly lying about 9/11 itself.



2. Two independent journalists aspire to challenge the so-called facts surrounding the events of 9/11.
   
   It's a very interesting and logical read that makes you question the validity of this ongoing "war on terror"; or who's the main source of terror as we know of; or the machination behind the perpetrators of such terror.
   
   There must be truth contained in the book, otherwise the U.S. State Dep't. wouldn't devote a space on its website attacking this publication.



3. I tend to be suspicious of official stories. But that does not mean that I am ready to jump at pretty much any alternative to such stories, no matter how absurd it may be.
   
   Many major events have unusual aspects. But that does not mean that they did not happen! What's next from these folks? Maybe an explanation that Japan never attacked Pearl Harbor in December of 1941? Or that the United States never dropped atomic bombs on Japan in August of 1945?
   
   The Twin Towers really did collapse. And there's evidence that airplanes flew into them! We Americans thought that we had some good people guarding us against sneak attacks. And I think we did. But these people either were not quite as good as we thought, or were asleep at the switch, or were confounded by a bunch of regulations that made it tough for them to gather information in a timely manner.
   
   There have been other planned attacks on America. And, luckily, some of the more serious ones failed. In at least a few cases, our security people uncovered these plots in time to thwart them. But we had no such luck on 9/11/2001. Unless you want to consider it lucky that even more people were not killed.
   
   There's plenty of evidence for how the attacks took place, and some of it is described in the 9/11 commission report. There's very little evidence for any other hypothesis, in spite of what this book implies.
   
   Books such as this one rarely get taken seriously by knowledgeable people, and that has a tendency to get some readers to think that much of what they read in these books is virtually unchallenged. That's not the proper conclusion. In particular, theories that we Americans brought down the Towers on purpose (one of the ideas considered by the authors) are not merely contrary to the evidence but illogical as well.
   
   I do not recommend this book.



4. A book that clearly addresses the 9/11 truth issues. I recommend this book anyone who wants to know more about the September 11th tragedies and how these events have changed lives all around the globe.
   
   This book was a great source in writing my book, The American Truth.



5. I read this book a couple of years ago and it made me start to question the whole official story on 9/11. If it does nothing else, the book will have served its purpose. It made me question and do research and was my real introduction to 9/11 Truth. It's a great introductory book on the subject.

5 comments about Women at Ground Zero: Stories of Courage and Compassion.

1. Very good book! Amazing stories from very brave and courageous women! You Go Girls!



2. When I wrote my review of this incredible book, I accidentally gave it 2 stars instead of my intended 5 stars. I apologize for my mistake and give this book the highest points possible. It will move you deeply.



3. Susan Hagen and Mary Carouba did an excellent job of bringing to the readers of "Women At Ground Zero" the fact that women also served, were injured, or killed at the World Trade Center complex in New York City. They knew women had to be there but yet the media didn't cover them. So they went in search of them. People forget that women are also members of the fire, police and medical departments around the country. They didn't "want the women...to fade into the background of American History" nor "future generations of children...believing that only men are strong, brave and heroic."

   They interviewed women from the NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD), and other women who were there that fateful day and many days thereafter. Each chapter tells another woman's story so be prepared to read 30 gut-wrenching stories. They also interviewed women who were at the scene in other capacities. AND something very few people know about-three women died that day while in the service of saving others: Captain Kathy Mazza (PAPD), Moira Smith (NYPD), and Yamel Merino (EMT). There are chapters about those women as well.

   These women and so many others saw crushed vehicles, dead bodies and body parts, along with airplane parts. They witnessed more in a short period of time then most people do in a lifetime. Some of their stories are very graphic while others brushed over that part. They talked about what they experienced and saw, their injuries, feelings and more. Its no wonder they continue to have problems BUT more importantly-most of them have all returned to the jobs they held on 11 September 2001. They continue to serve their community. They are all heroines and definitely role models for young girls to follow in years to come.

   This is a book well worth reading though if you are like me it may take you awhile to get through it. I admit I had a hard time reading each chapter. With my background I felt everything these women went through without actually having been there. Be prepared for your own emotions to run the gamut. Be prepared to relive that day and the days that followed over again through these women's eyes. But take the time to read "Women At Ground Zero".




4. Harrowing, engrossing, and well-written firsthand accounts put you right beside police officers, firefighters, and paramedics on that terrible day 9/11/01 (and afterward, too). I could not put it down.



5. I loved this book! It brought out stories that I never heard in all the media blitz after this unforgettable and horrific event. It truly shows another side of the story, and yet they made it very clear that the book was "not to diminish the contributions of the men who lost or put their lives at risk at Ground Zero". I had hesitated and worried that this might be a "feminist - male bashing" viewpoint. Not at all!

   It rounds out the story. Something that needed to happen. I feel more of a connection with what happened now than ever before.

   I highly recommend this to all - men and women alike. I hope it becomes a standard for reading about women in history and should be in every home for pre-teens on up to learn more about what happened and to offer inspiration.

   Buy it! It's a keeper!!

5 comments about Behold, an Ashen Horse.

1. I disagree with description of people's reactions to certain events that take place in this book. It seems odd that our leader would be authorizing apocalyptic events with a smile on his face. It also seems odd when members of the media cheer in joy observing in real time what's happening in the last chapter of the book. This is something middle eastern crowds would, not us. We are fundamentally better in our humanistic values and I seriously doubt it any person born and bred into Western civilization culture with an IQ of at least 75 would be happy about what we have to do to survive the psychotic fanatics attacking us. I would agree that some folks would be in awe or maybe feel anger about what had been done to our cities, but once it gets to the point of making an executive decision of the unprecedented magnitude and then witnessing the onslaught, there will be anything BUT joy. Sadness, more like it, will be the underlying emotion. Sadness because it had to come to this.
   This is my only gripe with this book that detracts form the plausibility a bit



2. I saw a reference to this book on a "things that could wrong and end civilization as we know it" website. To be very brief, I bought it, read it, and gave it away. Could the crazies in the Middle East hatch a plot like this? Yeah, sure. Are they so crazy they would sacrifice millions of people--I hope not, but only time will tell. What annoyed me most was the projected American response. Once again, technology will save us. Oh, there aren't enough "boots on the ground"? Never mind, technology and mass destruction will save us. Although there are a few characters that come alive a little, most of the characters are, in my opinion, stereotypes with whom I had a great deal of difficulty identifying. The author could also be accused of a very selective study of Islam, but that's not my area of expertise, so I'll let that pass.
   
   If you are looking for something to reinforce your paranoia, read this book. If you are looking a piece of literature, look someplace else.



3. What carries this book along is the plotting and the President's character. The writing can be a little clunky at times, but so was "Flatland," another masterpiece of science fiction.
   
   Essentially, the attack is believable and realistically detailed, written by a Nuclear Weapons Designer! The logic of America's response is also believable and realistically detailed. The portrayal of America's enemies may seem stereotyped, but read MEMRI and you'll see they write like that; just as the Cold war Russians DID act like their stereotype.
   
   When's the 3rd one coming out!



4. Great Book, difficult to put down!
   Behold, an Ashen Horse is looked forward to.
   Those who believe nothing like this could happen need to open their eyes.



5. After a televised warning from a terrorist on al-Jazeera five American
   cities are leveled by nuclear bombs. New York,Washington D.C.,Boston,
   Chicago, and Atlanta are destroyed by the blasts. The entire federal
   government is killed by the blasts. The only surviving cabinet member is
   retired Air Force general George ASlexander. The nuclear explosions signal the beginning of the "Days of Islam". Muslims cause disruptions on a worldwide scale. An Islamic Empire is declared for the process of worldwide domination. Iran,Iraq,Saudi Arabia, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya,
   and other Middle Eastern nations make up the Islamic Empire. The leader of the Islamic Empire is Muraagibu al-Khawaatim who changes his name to Saladin II. He was responsible for the five nuclear bombs. The bombs were purchased from corrupt Russian KBG officers by al-Qaeda. In the meantime
   President Alexander goes about rebuilding America and mounting an offensive against the forces of evil. This is a very exciting book that you should read.

No comments about Light in the Heart of Darkness: EMDR and the Treatment of War and Terrorism Survivors.

5 comments about Shaiton's Fire.

1. The book opens when a group of terrorists bomb a subway train in San Francisco. The plot thickens when another terrorist attack is connected to the first bombing. The group's primary target is Diablo, a nuclear power plant in California. If they pull it off, the entire central coast of California would be at risk.

   Chapter 16, a unit created to create domestic security attempts to stop the attacks. Steve Alstead's hands on role in the organization places his family in jeopardy. Steve tries to balance his commitment to his family and his job. However, his son is kidnapped, and his wife, Cindy, struggles with Steve's absence and their fragile marriage.

   Shaiton's Fire has a complicated, exciting plot that draws you in from the first page. Thoene absolutely pulls this off. The book is well worth your time!




2. From one writer to another, I have to say that Jake's book was exciting. Too often in the CBA world, we stay away from tough issues or write as if a real world doesn't exist. This is not only intriguing, but well-written. Thank you, Jake Thoene for an awesome book!



3. "Shaiton's Fire" starts with a literal bang and builds toward a cataclysmic threat. Although his plot and pace kept the pages turning, Thoene took a little longer to show me which characters to put my heart behind. Once the story's players were established, it was hard not to enjoy this novel.

   Set in San Francisco and southern California, the story revolves around the threat of terrorist attacks. After a bombing on a subway, a unit called Chapter 16 steps in to track down the culprits. Despite the conflicts with his estranged wife, Steve Alstead helps his unit hone in on the suspects. He has tried to keep his work separate from his home life, but that is about to change--and not on his own terms. For the culprits are zeroing in as well. They have plans that will bring destruction on personal and public levels.

   Thoene's story reads smoothly, bringing chuckles, thrills, and spiritual encouragement. Even with an abundance of needless adverbs, he makes the dialogue crisp and down-to-earth.

   If you liked Oliver North's "Mission Accomplished," or Joel Rosenberg's "The Last Jihad," you'll find this book to be a treat. In fact, I set down Clancy's latest to speed through the pages of "Shaiton's Fire." And I don't regret it.




4. I guess this was one of those things where I saw the book, said that the book looked good, but merely considered reading it. Then, as book #3 (Fuel The Fire) was already on the shelves I finally picked up book #1. Go figure, right? But with a great, sometimes frantic pace, it was impossible to put down!
   
   It ripped, it roared, and it never snored! We join what is called the Chapter 16 team. This is after the fact that a bomb has obliterated a transit subway station. But you might think, the ultimate team? Oh, you bet! We learn that this team is put together by a Senator James Morrison, and as my own dumb joke I was wondering this: If people ever call him Jim Morrison, does he sometimes sing to himself, "This is the end!"? But in this book, that would be a bad guy song, right? Leave it to a former die-hard DOORS fan to think up something weird like that! ANYWAY!
   
   You have Special Agent Steve Alstead in charge of a team that isn't likely to lose. Hopefully not. In the midst of all the chaos, we learn what "Shaiton's Fire" is. Oh, do we ever!
   
   With an idea like this, along with good plots, combined with a little humor along the way, Jake Thoene has created a spark. One that already has 3 books and hopefully doesn't fizzle out after that. All I can say is thank you!



5. I have read the first two books of this series, Shaiton's Fire and Firefly Blue, and have begun the third one. Although there are a few aspects of the author's writing that annoy me, I am really enjoying the series. With terrorism so prevalent in the world today, I find the technical aspects presented in these books very timely and intriguing. Faith is very dear to many of the characters, and they wrestle with real-world issues with which I can identify.
   
   Some books seem to target a specific gender, but both my husband and I love these books. I will definitely look for more titles by Jake Thoene, and I definitely recommend this series.