From Beruit To Jerusalem

by Thomas L Friedman

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction

Hardcover

Reviews

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Beirut to Jerusalem is a great book by NYT writer Tom Friedman that follows his reporting path from Lebanon and Beirut, through his time in Jerusalem and Israel. His stories within Lebanon are beyond gripping and a little terrifying. Reading about this period in time in the Middle East always opens my mind to realities that have led us to the modern situations in the region. However, his look into the mental psyche of Israelis is what really made this book standout. As a Jewish American, he has a nuanced view on Israel and his unbiased and honest assessment of the country and its people is refreshing. I think the latter half of this book has amazing information that can help give one a better understanding as to why Israelis react to situations the way they do, and how the government has manufactured certain mindsets in the country. Some of this information absolutely explains certain current issues and although disheartening, is great information to learn. More of a 4.5 than 4, as at times I felt the writing lacked a little cohesiveness, but still great.

[Dhruv · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to start learning about the Middle East and its complex history.

[Henry Kuvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for everyone

[Brian McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, but full of insight. The Lebanon portion is pure parachute journalism- great in some ways, flawed in others. Got what it's worth, it does provide a decent view into a snapshot of time, in particular focusing on Israel’s relationship with its neighbors, and provides insight for what it was like for a By times war correspondent.

The book improves significantly when Friedman morphs it into a psychological analysis of the modern Israelite. This section was insightful and revelatory, with a message that still rings true today. One line in particular stands out, from a colonel in the Israeli Air force, “I wish people understood that we have the strength to compromise”.

Wise words the bear listening to.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the abridged audio book edition, read by the author. Thomas Friedman is very knowledgable about the Middle East, and he tells intriguing and heart wrenching stories about his time as a journalist there, but I found his narration/voice to be a bit Rick Steves: somewhat preachy and irksome. Still, I recommend this abridged version, especially the last hour or so. I learned so much about the history of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in just that brief overview. A good resource added to my list of other articles, books, and podcasts about the history of the region.

[Chas Tomac · Rating 4 out of 5]

"From Beirut to Jerusalem" is the title of a 1989 National Book Award-winning book by journalist Thomas L. Friedman. It chronicles his experiences reporting from the Middle East, offering an in-depth look at the region's complex history and conflicts, from his time covering the Lebanese Civil War in Beirut to the first Intifada in Jerusalem. The book is a work of journalism that combines personal narrative with historical and political analysis to explain the events that shaped the region.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Beirut to Jerusalem chronicles Tom Friedman's (NYT writer) reporting from Lebanon to Jerusalem. Reading Friedman's work was an opportunity to better understand the modern conflicts in the Middle East. Friendman's writing style also made this book an easy read, despite the complicated subject matter.

[Chris Reifel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Second time I've read this and for those who don't have a good understanding of history and dynamics between Palestine and Israel, this is a great read. The dynamics certainly extend further but Thomas Friedman does a deep dive based on his personal experiences in the region and provides exceptional insight.

[Andrew Harrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written but definitely a historical piece that will lose relevance with time. Hard to follow some of the events I have not lived through on a week by week basis. The author goes on a number of tangents that are interesting but do not add much to the overall narrative. Could have been 300 pages.

[Austin Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Some of our bonding moments were times of great tragedy, but there were many happy memories as well. Though we each have since retreated to the different worlds from whence we came, the bond between us will never be broken.”
― Thomas L. Friedman, From Beirut to Jerusalem

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic work of journalism that is a great overview of the Lebanese civil war and the Israel- Palestine conflict until 1989. This book is a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about mid 20th century Levantine history.

[Aylett Lipford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to learn more about the Middle East conflict. Was helpful but also slightly confusing.

[HGuzik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent review of 1940's to 1990's history. Easy to read, interesting narrative and I learned so much!

[Logan Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to begin to untangle the history and psychology of the Middle East

[Deb Handrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booked helped me understand the history between Palestine and Israel.