An informed and informative guide to a difficult passage in the Old Testament. The author questions from every aspect the motivations of G-d, Abraham, the angel, and not least Isaac. The reader may want to study further. I recommend Your Guide to the Jewish Holidays by Matt Axelrod, Understanding Genisis by Nahum Sarna.
Abraham's story is one separating human ethics from divine commands. Many believe that ethics is based upon religion. My agnostic uncle would say they are independent, and occasionally contradictory. Boehm's book takes a radical view, contending that religion is based on human values such as ethics. An exciting read