THE OSAMA BIN LADEN I KNOW An Oral History of al Qaeda's Leader

Bergen's overview of bin Laden's life and legend, from his beginnings as the son of a wealthy family with an earnest interest in Islam to his current stature as a worldwide figure of both derision and admiration, is performed somewhat breathlessly by George Guidall. Whether he is personifying Muslim friends, family, and associates of bin Laden or American reporters and videographers who met the man, Guidall provides spot-on characterizations, never ignoring the underlying emotions driving each personality. Such a sensitive subject is handled with journalistic evenness. This presentation makes clear that the danger is as imminent as ever, exacerbated by the U.S. invasion of Iraq. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]