The Way of the World: A Story of Truth and Hope in an Age of Extremism

Another monumental work by Suskind, The Way of the World is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding how to win the so-called "war on terror", and why so far we are losing. Although the talk show circuit has focused on the book's new revelations of the Bush administration's use of deception in instigating the war in Iraq (including illegally ordering the CIA to forge documents to deceive the American public), it will be remembered for its insightful exploration of America's real strength: our democratic values of inclusiveness, equality, free speech, and dialog. In a series of interwoven personal narratives, Suskind gives us an intimate look at key moments when good deeds by individual Americans helped change the way their Muslim friends viewed America and the world. Similarly, the book shows moments when our Muslim interlocutors have helped Americans better understand how to live up to our democratic ideals. Many books detail the errors and excesses of the "war on terror." This book alone speaks movingly and convincingly of the way forward.

information not easily found elsewhere - stories giving a large overview on the so-called "war on terror"- like a political thriller in parts - human interest story in others along with completely shocking information...

I was initially interested in Suskind's "Way of the World" because of the latest revelation of Bush/Cheney skullduggery - the forged letter verifying Al Queda's link with Saddam Hussein. However, the book is much more than an argument for impeachment. Suskind documents how Bush/Cheney administration has alienated the U.S. from the rest of the world, and how that has made it more likely for a terrorist nuclear attack.

As importantly, Suskind also provides stories of hope - about people who are working to genuinely reduce the threat of a nuclear attack as well as people who discover that their common humanity transcends the religious and political differences between the Islamic world and America.

The book is very well-written and excellently narrated.

I have already recommended this to friends. Suskind talks about the post-911 world through the eyes of history as well as through the eyes of several individuals, which really hooks you into the story. At first it seems there's an anti-Bush-Cheney agenda going down here (even for a non-fan), which may turn off some Fox News fanatics. In the end, it is a story that reaffirms the strength of the American democratic culture and a system that allows us to question the efficacy of our actions and the motivations behind them.

I heard the author on an interview with Amy Goodman and thought his book sounded good. The first half went pretty quickly, but then I found myself taking at least another week or two to finish it. There was something missing in this book, but I can't quite place it. It was good enough to recommend, but not good enough to read twice.

Mr. Suskind really nails the reason(s) why Americans are so hated in the world. A perfect example is how the Denver, CO American "mom" of the Afghan exchange student hates Bush for trying to democratize the world at the point of a gun yet seems intent on turning her Muslim exchange student into a typical, feminized American male. What a train wreck! No wonder we have problems with other cultures!

Too bad Suskind reads only the introduction. I had to stop listening two and half hours into the book, as this narrator's breathy and needlessly melodramatic delivery was driving me nuts.