STORM FROM THE EAST

The 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington--and the subsequent U.S. efforts in Iraq--drew America's attention to the Middle East. But the Arab world views the crisis in terms of a long-standing conflict, says Milton Viorst. As he outlines centuries of tensions, narrator Paul Hecht gives his reading both a professor's gravitas and a touch of drama, avoiding emotion and sticking to the facts yet keeping the account interesting at all times. Whether or not listeners agree with Viorst's alternative approaches to the Mideast conflict, his book provides a good introduction to the history of the Arab world that is well delivered. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]