Today, I'm heading to Istanbul, my first stop on a Holy Land cruise, and I could not be more excited. I usually don't do research on cities before I travel, but this time, I felt I'd totally regret it if I didn't do a bit of background reading on the history of the region. I was a history major in college, but since then I've pretty much only read non-fiction (especially sci-fi and mystery).Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East
by Scott Anderson is a phenomenal read. I'm only half-way through (luckily I have a long flight ahead of me), but this book is page-turner. It reads like fiction and is so rich in detail and historical insight that I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a less political book about the history of the Middle East. Many modern books about this topic are so full of the author's political agenda, but this book is less biased than many and is just so interesting. The focus is on T.E. Lawrence as the title suggests, but also features a number of other personalities. What I like most about this book is that it highlights the fact that individuals making seemingly small choices can really shape history. This truth is both scary and inspiring and Anderson capture both aspects of this theme. Bottom line: must-read.Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths
by Karen Armstrong. Armstrong is known for her writing on theology and religion, so when I saw this book, I was intrigued. I'm still working my way through this book, and I have to admit it's a bit redundant. While Anderson's book feels like an awesome adventure story, Armstrong's book definitely feels like a history textbook. Now, I love history, but this is not an easy read and requires a very attentive reader. That being said, I really love how Armstrong takes us through all of the inhabitants of the place we now call Jerusalem. She explores the poly-theistic cultures and I find this historical perspective truly refreshing in the midst of many ahistorical narratives that can dominate talks of the region. Bottom line: maybe read.What are you reading?
