Liberty and Tyranny

Mark Levin's popular book, Liberty and Tyranny: a conservative manifesto is a highly readable overview of the conservative mindset. By drawing a contrast between the conservative that wishes to see the individual exercise freedom and the statist who believes that government should regulate and "help" individuals to make right decisions, Mark Levin effectively dissects a number of the issues facing our nation.

As a recent book, the illustrations of the debates are those that are currently dominating our national news. Whether or not you agree with his conclusions, the debate is very articulate and enlightening.

Florence of Arabia

Florence is as timely a read as when it hit the library shelves in 2004. Christopher Buckley writes about serious Arab American issues in a wonderfully funny way. This comedy is stoked with international intrigue, sprinkled with romance and droll dialogue and I couldn't put it down. Our heroin Florence Farfaletti , U.S. Foreign Service takes on the super difficult task of creating TV Matar to cater to Arab women and incite them to become independent. It is a delicate walk on a tight rope for Florence, negotiating between U.S. ineptitude and Arab intolerance. The lineup on TV Matar includes The Thousand and One Mornings; an addictive soap opera strangely resembling the royal family; and a sitcom about inept religious police. Her crackerjack staff include a CIA killer, a snappy PR man, and a brilliant but frustrated bureaucrat who are diligent to the point of risking their lives for one another. This satirical novel is successful in paying homage to Fern Holland, a real life Florence of Arabia, assassinated in Iraq, March 9, 2004, age thirty-three. Smart, funny and sharp as a scimitar.