What Matters

Brilliant portraits of Israeli & Palestinian experience

Revisado: 07-16-23

As narrated by the author, the listener/reader is really brought into the novel. It is one of the most empathic understandings of the dual narrative that exists between Israeli and Palestinians. The brief chapters modeled on 1001 Nights effectively portrays the interwoven complexity of the narratives. McCann skillfully brings the reader into the history and current events. I liked the almost stream of consciousness writing which engaged me. Reference’s to ornithology was skillfully woven into the story line regarding the complex interactions and migrations among bird species.

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Excellent understanding of the complexities of modern Israel

Revisado: 06-18-23

This book provides readers with a deep understanding of the rationale for Zionism. It presents the internal contradictions and challenges faced by Israel. I think it’s one of the best books to understand Israel in the history of the Jews in the 20th and 21st century.

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Family story about loss and change.

Revisado: 06-11-23

The promise takes place in the background of a changing South Africa from the end of apartheid. The Family undergoes loss and disillusion through character portraits over the span of 40 years. Beautifully written The audible performance is excellent and compelling to listen to

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Important to understand how finance has hijacked our economy and nation.

Revisado: 04-01-23

This is a very clearly written and researched book that helps us to understand the outsized influence of finance on our lives. I strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to appear under the hood, so to speak.

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Complex historical and family narrative

Revisado: 11-16-20

The author weaves a complex narrative tracing a family through history across two continents. She brings up questions about heritage, trauma, homeland and identity, in the larger question of human oppression. the characters tell their story and this avoids lecturing the reader. The reader gains a sense of the complexity of history amd not stereotyping.

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Essential reading to understand post Soviet Russia

Revisado: 10-06-20

Catherine Benton writes brilliantly about the Byzantine workings of Putin’s Russia and how billions of dollars looted from the state properties of the USSR has empowered Putin’s People to amass enormous domestic and international power. She presents a detailed case of corruption leveraging these looted and laundered billions in influencing politics in the West and contributing to Brexit and the election of Donal Trump. This furthers a resentful Putin’s revenge against NATO, EU, and the western alliance Putin has used his judo black belt well understanding that capitalist greed for money can be used against the longer term interests of their nation.

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Essential reading to understand racism

Revisado: 09-12-20

One of the best social psychological and historical analysis of racism, “otherism”, and how societies exploit and oppress minorities, often unconsciously. Well researched cross cultural perspectives. Wilkerson writes for readers to appreciate multiple points of experience and thinking. She doesn’t preach but invites the reader to step out of themselves and to be open to different perspectives with the hope that we can appreciate our common humanity and bridge our differences.

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Excellent history

Revisado: 11-14-18

This book combines oral history, sociology, the philosophy of life, religion with a literary presentation that deepens our understanding of the human condition and empathy for all human beings. This should be a must read for every American.

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An eternal classic.

Revisado: 01-07-18

As fresh and insightful about the human condition as ever. Two intertwined narratives about two young people searching for meaning and identity. Perfectly performed. A pleasure.

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Compelling narrative

Revisado: 08-24-16

Complexity and ambiguity characterize this novel about love and loss and the Israeli experience A compelling read

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