great insight to a world most people only think they know
589727
Jalen makes you feel like you are having a conversation directly with him when you read this book. It was great to learn more about his life. I grew up at the same time and though I had a much different path, I loved basketball. If you want to know more about college basketball during that era. You need to read this book.
2036216
This book was interesting as it wove a story of truth of a people and their beliefs that most of us don't understand.  I enjoyed the cultural knowledge he was able to include.  It is hard for me to understand how someone can have such a desire to destroy our world as we know it, believing their faith is all powerful.  Excellent reading!
3661196
This is not an ordinary "travel book", the author explores the culture, politics, history of parts of the world few westerners know exist. I was particulary interested in his travels through central asia (post soviet union countries) which I knew little about. His themes about population growth, dimishing resources, migrating populations, and their impact on the world were powerful and illuminating. We (in the west) may believe we are immune to the problems of the "third" world, Mr. Kaplan presents a very different picture. I read this book over six months ago and I'm still reflecting on it.
4211562
Great insight into the culture, People and sites.
3088319
Very insightful and enjoyable. This book helps one develop strong, focused insight into just what happened over the last one hundred years and why we --the world-- finds itself where we are today. Reading this book will help one see the world much more vividly, and, to be honest, humbly; and from that one can begin to see why some people today --like President Barack Obama-- are now viewed as NOT being American Exceptionalists in foreign policy and others --like Senator John McCain-- seem to be those who learn nothing and forget nothing.
  But, a caution. It's very readable, but will take some effort. It is not for the faint hearted or very casual reader. And, finally, more illustrations/maps are needed while numerous interesting photographs make the characters of the period come to life very well.
2015481
Very interesting book, which addresses a topic people don't talk much about in public
1387226
There is a saying that you don't know what you don't know.  Before I started reading this book I thought I knew a lot more than I actually did. Thanks Charles for enlightening me on many domestic and world issues.
1808645
MacFarqhuar has written a wonderful book that takes a deceptively personal and light approach into the world of the Middle East, but then delivers a deeply insightful and important contribution. After years of reporting headlines news from the region, filled with serious and often deadly events, he now fills in the lines with personal and intriguing stories of everyday life. The chapter on fatwas is a standout example because it explains something amazingly foreign, alien and often hilarious -- and leaves the reader with a richer understanding of the role of religion in that society. His profiles of important countries, dictatorial dynasties, and brave reformers all combine to draw an image that a dry rendition could completely miss.

I hope many, many people read this book. While there are no easy answers, much better understanding can only help.
882107
Great commentary and insights on the nature of our world and some of its history
1209857
A different perspective of what is truly happening on the other side of the world.  Makes you wonder about the power of the world leaders or so called leaders.  Makes you stop and think in different terms.  Makes me thankful I was born in America.  I can't imagine not being educated and able to speak out on different subjects.  How sad for their country.  How sad for the women over there. This book should be a must read for all schools in the U.S.A. so that we are not in our little comfort cocoon.
16178
A very real look at the world we are living and operating in through the lens of the most powerful entities in the history of the world. The Four is clever, witty and entertaining, but, most importantly, it is accurate and insightful. Professor Scott Galloway is one of a kind. A rare and talented individual, professor and writer who is unapologetic in his commitment to honesty and facts. You walk away from this book with a newfound perspective on the four companies that have transformed the world we live in and, together, impact almost every moment of every day. A must read for anyone in the business world (marketing especially) and a great read for everyone!
3472937
This book is incredibly eye-opening to the injustices around the globe and the reality of the suffering of people outside of our worldview. Gary Haugen does a fantastic job at illuminating the reality of the darkness that exists in our world, and although some of them are hard pills to swallow, he gives us hope by providing the tools to help these broken communities. Through real life stories and examples of these injustices, the reader is able to understand how they can play a role in helping fight against these injustices with a change of mindset. In all, this was a great read and I would recommend it.
1823405
Extremely good read. Many of us Oves move around and nobody knows our stories. This book help presenting us to the world.
2215214
I really enjoyed this book. I think it's a great read for anyone interested in discovering a little more about themselves and the world we think we live in.
911878
The author does a good job of introducing us to people who think outside the box.  Well-written and very informative.
1674824
So many thing we did not know about our everyday lives.
The average person did not know much of what was really happening.
This is a great read.
1883166
I found this book to be a thought provoking and powerful discussion of how the world has changed so quickly and why old standbys are not working predictably.  This book has a lot of material in it that was sometimes difficult to follow but worth every effort.  The explosion of information is just incredible and worth thinking about.

Any one sentence in this book can set up a discussion.  One thing I found funny is that the Internet only adds 1.1% to the GDP in Africa.  Of course, that reminded me immediately of my long lost Uncle who has raided a treasury and plans to send me the money for safe keeping.  Ordos, in Inner Mongolia, is a better investment for capital and attracts more than Detroit.  (Perhaps that isn't as surprising.)  Any given section of this book leads to interpretation.

The four forces of change were entirely predictable: Urbanization, technology, old people, and the small world syndrome.  I kind of think technology and small world syndrome are pretty much the same thing.  When I lived in Pakistan in the late 90s, it took up to a week to get an email to me.  Not so, now.  I can email friends in Pakistan and it is instantaneous, not waiting for the a full night after a full moon passed during the work week, for an email to get sent through a server in Wherever.