Interesting, but of course it's quite brief

I appreciate this approach: I like to hear plenty of these short, summarizing audiobooks. I didn't feel it lived up to the publisher's summary ("By the end you will know as much about Middle East history and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as you would after a year-long college course"). That would be too much to expect, of course. But for slightly over 2 hours' length, I feel it was an alright introduction.

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Definitely a Crash Course

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes. It's as clear and concise a work as any I have encountered for the 'non-expert' wanting to better understand what appears to be conflict without resolution. It's also an easy listen. I'm on my third and the historical context is starting to sink in a bit.

What was one of the most memorable moments of From Muhammed to Burj Khalifa?

The chapter on Ghengis Khan, his Mongol horde and the strong possibility I might be a direct decendent! Seriously, I never realized the significance of Khan's conquests and his impact on world history.

What didn’t you like about Kevin Pierce’s performance?

The reading sounded much like a computer generated voice. It was clear and technically correct but the emphasis and intonation often sounds misplaced and uncomfortably artificial.

Could you see From Muhammed to Burj Khalifa being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Interesting idea for this book. Dramatization of such a condensed history might make a compelling series.

Any additional comments?

I'm not sure if it is my own or the author's objectivity that influences this impression but I often felt in the reading as if there was sympathy for the underlying causes of Islamic extremism and hatred of Israel. Nothing wrong with that if true but then there was nothing in the book to influence me to that perspective. The author tells us Palestinians have failed to create a state for themselves for an even longer period of time than modern day Israel has existed. I know there is so much more to learn but this is something I find hard to understand. The book gave me what I was looking for and more. I plan to use each chapter as a jumping off point for deeper exploration and understanding.

1 person found this helpful

A good, qyick synopsis

A short , concise history of a complicated region. Well worth listening to if you're looking for an intro to the middle east.

One for the naive

What would have made From Muhammed to Burj Khalifa better?

Perhaps a Foreword could say this book is aimed at high school History and Geography classes. He could also add as recommended reading, "The Great War for Civilization: The Conquest of the Middle East" by Robert Fisk, and any if not all of Robert Spencer's books on that religion.

Would you ever listen to anything by Michael Rank again?

Not in the immediate future.

How could the performance have been better?

That's a tricky question because the material to go on doesn't lend itself to a Shakespearean rendition, but this is only my opinion.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from From Muhammed to Burj Khalifa?

I wouldn't cut, but add some meat.

Any additional comments?

This book is suitable for Junior High School.

We would all benefit from this book

Covers a lot of important content in reasonably short manner and in an organized way.

Great concise coverage; not dull at all!

What made the experience of listening to From Muhammed to Burj Khalifa the most enjoyable?

Reader's voice was good with good intonation. The story is interesting and hits just the major highlights.

Perfect solution for someone headed for the Middle East

Enjoyed the read...narrator was excellent! Thank you for this crash course on middle east history.

horrible

Islamic propaganda!!! Do not waste your money on this trash!!! Enough said.

Just too short

Overall great, wish it was a bit longer though. Very much and overview but bounded in facts

Fantastic.

A great crash course introduction into the Middle East. I'll listen to this one more than once to continue solidifying my understanding.

Cheers.