From Beirut to Jerusalem (Abridged) Audiobook

" An excellent book from a knowledgeable and experienced journalist. This was also a great primer on modern middle-east history. "

" Thomas Friedman exhibits his spectacular understanding of the Levant region politics in this well-written account. This book is great for anyone interested in the Middle East, politics, or journalism. "

" Even if you're not interested in Israeli/Lebanese/Syrian politics, this is a profound work of journalism and reflection on human tragedy. Friedman is a masterful writer whose style casual wit and enthusiastic articulation. An absolute pleasure to read. Whatever your views towards the solutions suggested in the final chapters, very few works rival this one in scope and to-the-point frankness. "

" Good, comprehensive, but somewhat subjective narrative of the author's journey in the Middle East. "

" This book does a great job explaining the history of the middle east and has many implications for today. "

" Anyone who wants to read some unbelievable stories about Israel, Lebanon and hear a journalist's perspective of life on the ground during Lebanon's Civil War. You may hate his politics, but hardly anyone tells anecdotal stories better. "

" First best book I read about the middle east conflict. "

" That part of the world is just scarry. "

" Very informative in shaping my initial context of recent events within this region. "

" Despite the fact that this book was written 20 years ago, this book is probably the single best introduction to understanding the current (and endless) mideast crisis "

" I read this book while I was staying on a Kibbutz in southern Israel. It was an eye opening look at politics in the Middle East written before Friedman became and an insufferable blow hard. "

" Was an amazing book, ive been wanting to read it for awhile, shouldnt have put it off, looking forward to reading his other book "

" Completely helped round out my knowledge of the Middle East, inclusive of history, politics, culture, etc. "

" By far Friedman's best book, and it's still terrible. "

" Amazing insights into Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. Really helped give me perspective on that region. "

" One of my all time favorite non-fiction books... which sent me on a non-fiction bender that lasted about 2 years. This book pulls no punches about attitudes and cultural norms of the middle east, particularly the chapter "Hamas Rules." "

" Reads at times like a long Friedman Op-ed, but it is a very informative view of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. I would not say that it is totally unbiased as some have said. "

" This book should be required reading for everyone. A truly balanced look at the Middle East. "

" Probably one of the more important books for people to read. Gives an overall honest understanding of the background of history and culture that has led us to the situations we are currently facing in that region "

" An early work by Friedman, yet is still remains one of his better books. Now somewhat dated, but it still is an excellent primer for someone wanting to dig deeper into the Middle East and its current issues. "

" I need to re-read this book because I think I only understand part of it the first time. "

" This book was my first curious encounter with the Israel-Palestine conflict, as told by someone whom I generally trust, in terms of journalism. Good beginning, could've used less personal anecdote. "

" Great book with lots of insights into the middle east a must read for anyone interested in politics or this region. "

" I read this book as a requirement for a college history course. It was very insightful! "

" After reading this book I felt like I had a small, tiny handle on the middle east (which completely baffles me.) I wish he would write another book on everything that has happened since he wrote this one so I could understand a little more. "

" One of my favourite NY Times journo's compares his experiences living and working in Beirut, and then jerusalem, is fascinating and full of plausible theories about their thousand year old differences. Possibly getting a bit long in the tooth now being 20 years old. "

" This was required reading for one of my undergrad poli sci classes, and it's very good. Anyone who's interested in learning more about the history of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict should read it. "

" I learned a lot about the Middle East history, people there, the conflicts, why things happen they way they do, ... from this book. It's a great read that helps you make sense of what has happened there. "

" This was a good book about a slice in time concerning the middle-east turmoil. He adopts the right tone. There are real people living over there who are trying to live normal lives in an abnormal situation. "

" Most authentic book on middle east- a little verbose. "

" You'll get my review as soon as I finish the book. Didn't pay attention to the edition. Mine is the one with the blue cover and with 560 pages. "

" Before the Earth was flat, Thomas Friedman covered the Middle East. He takes a decidedly pro-Arab view of the world in this book, which provides plenty of insights into the modern Middle East conflict. "

" First best book I read about the middle east conflict. "

" Really cleared up a lot of my confusion about some of the historic tensions in this region, it's out of date (finishes in the mid 1990's) but still a great read. "

" I'm convinced that the more I read about the Middle East in the news the less I know. This book really helped me get a handle on some of the tectonic social. political and historic dyamics in that part of the world. Although it feels a little dated, the book is still relevant today. "

" I really enjoyed it, but I hesitate to rate it as 5-stars or to give a thorough review of it because, as the author says in the book, regarding this region of the world, "There is no truth. There are only versions." (I might be paraphrasing that). "

" Read this as part of a college course in 2004 - an interesting view from a journalist and a foreigner of life in the Middle East. "

" My Aunt teaches political geographhy at a college and she reccommended this book. It's very firsthand, which I prefer over analayzing what someone else said they saw. Covers up until 1989. "