From Beirut to Jerusalem

If you want to read a very enjoyable and well written book on the middle east this is it. Friedman is a balanced and knowledgeable writer. I couldn't put it down. If you've got the time and the desire to work through 1400 pages I understand Fisk's book on the Great War For Civilization tells it all.

The situation in the Middle East is often repetitive, boring and/or difficult to understand to the untrained eye. Thankfully, it will no longer be so. In From Beirut to Jerusalem, Thomas Friedman tells a very accurate and easy-to-understand story of the conflict in the Middle East. Going in a logical order, he writes a comprehensive account of his experience as one of the New York Times' top journalists/correspondents in the Middle East. Friedman's expert writing skills and his fine hand for detail and description brings the Middle East novice into an understanding and appreciation of the complex situation going on in the Middle Eastern area today. Although the topic at hand is somewhat serious, Friedman understands when and when not to add a touch of humour here and there. The humour he incorporates into the story is as natural as it gets. His expertise in journalism allows his writing to come alive and integrate quotes in the finest way possible. From Beirut to Jerusalem is the emotional, informative story of Friedman's astounding encounters on the road between Beirut and Jerusalem. It was a six-day trip, and one that will last him a lifetime; if you read it, it will last you a lifetime as too. Not to be missed!

As a journalist Mr Friedman is at his very best when he reports the historical facts, puts them in perspective and analyses them. And reporting the facts is what he does in the first part of this book, Beirut. This is the best part hands down. His analysis is profound, true, and it gives a singular and personal lighting of the civil war in Lebanon and the Israeli invasion.
However, Mr Friedman, as a sociologist, isn't nearly as good (or just maybe his analysis has lost its relevance in the 20-odd years since the book was first published). The Jerusalem part is far too convoluted and sometimes downright obscure in its multi-layered division of the Israeli society.
Also Mr Friedman is a very good writer with a wit all its own. But at times the metaphors he uses are too cute for their own good and the author spends far too much time (his and ours) justifying their pertinence. The book is an impressionist analysis, sort of a 600 pages op-ed supported by impressions, but short on statistical data.
Still a great and essential read.

This book is the typical superficial look at the middle east that suffices as analysis in the west. A little more insightful than CNN and the rest of the american media but not by a lot. Author is a bit of an Israeli apologist and not enough explanation on the roots and dynamics of the war. The much better option is to go with Robert Fisk books: "Pity the Nation," and "The Great War for Civilisation." After reading those, all other middle east efforts will pale in comparison.

Couldn't put the book down and well worthy of the National Book Award. Thomas Friedman shows a different side to life and politics in Israel and Lebanon in a lucid, well-constructed overview. Even though much has changed since the book was published in 1989, the book is still relevant as it puts you in the mindframe of the decision-makers. A must-read as this small piece of our globe impacts all of our lives.

This book has really changed my views of the middle-east. I loved the book - the author has a great talent at expressing himself. I have traveled to the region twice since my reading of this great novel!

This book doesn't do justice to either Beirut or Jerusalem. It's an easy read and factual but if you're up for it Robert Fisk's "Pity the Nation" on the same subject is better.
Freidman's book seems more about himself with this war going on in the background that is not really well explained.