Thought for the Day - Books

"Through the use of books, I had the whole world at my feet, could travel anywhere, meet anyone, and do anything."
--Benjamin Carson

Reading the hauntingly beautiful and exquisitely written "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini now. It paints such a vivid picture, that I feel I am witnessing all the little episodes that unfold in the protagonist's life. I was in Afghanistan in the 70s ....

Also reading Thomas Friedman's seminal work "From Beirut to Jerusalem." Which has been nothing short of fascinating and insightful. His analysis and observations of the history and politics were intelligent, incisive and astute -- but what made it even more meaningful were the copious anecdotes and quotes by the people living through the troubles. Lebanon as a country should not have been created; the place is a powder keg, meant to explode, always to be divided.