Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Yes. It’s as clear and concise a work as any I have encountered for the ‘non-expert’ wanting to better understand what appears to be conflict without resolution. It’s also an easy listen. I’m on my third and the historical context is starting to sink in a bit.
What was one of the most memorable moments of From Muhammed to Burj Khalifa?
The chapter on Ghengis Khan, his Mongol horde and the strong possibility I might be a direct decendent! Seriously, I never realized the significance of Khan’s conquests and his impact on world history.
What didn’t you like about Kevin Pierce’s performance?
The reading sounded much like a computer generated voice. It was clear and technically correct but the emphasis and intonation often sounds misplaced and uncomfortably artificial.
Could you see From Muhammed to Burj Khalifa being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
Interesting idea for this book. Dramatization of such a condensed history might make a compelling series.
Any additional comments?
I’m not sure if it is my own or the author’s objectivity that influences this impression but I often felt in the reading as if there was sympathy for the underlying causes of Islamic extremism and hatred of Israel. Nothing wrong with that if true but then there was nothing in the book to influence me to that perspective. The author tells us Palestinians have failed to create a state for themselves for an even longer period of time than modern day Israel has existed. I know there is so much more to learn but this is something I find hard to understand. The book gave me what I was looking for and more. I plan to use each chapter as a jumping off point for deeper exploration and understanding.