United States of Jihad by Peter Bergen

From the back cover: “Since 9/11, more than three hundred Americans—born and raised in Minnesota, Alabama, New Jersey, and elsewhere—have been indicted or convicted of terrorism charges.  “

Page 23: “Jihad was already being waged in America many years before 9/11. Most Americans just weren’t aware of it.

Peter Bergen comprehensively examines the lives of American jihadists.  It is a frightening and sometimes infuriating look at those who are being radicalized here in the United States, some even traveling to join ISIS. It is well researched and extensively footnoted.  

Late in the book it becomes somewhat of an attack on the political “right” or “paranoid right” as Mr. Bergen calls it. He claims that the fear of Sharia law defies common sense and uses terms like endemic paranoia. It is an interesting book, but personal political views tarnish it.

There will be a companion HBO documentary, Homegrown, which will air in the spring of 2016.

If You Were Me and Lived in…Italy by Carole P. Roman

The next stop on our round the world trip is Italy. This international series is a wonderful way to Italy are included.  Because of the language, I think the words in this book are a little more difficult, but there is a 2 ½ page Pronunciation Guide with explanations for each.

teach children about cultures around the world.  The answers to all of the answers a child would ask about for names, foods, games, school, places to go, history, and celebrations life in

Once again I highly recommend this and the entire series for young children. The are entertaining, informational with a little history included.

The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash

Amanda wakes up in a fog after a long hard night of partying. Nothing is the way it should be, and she becomes more and more confused as she struggles to determine what is going on. The people she meets, the class she never wanted, and the situations that surround her seem more and more puzzling. This novella is another masterpiece by Michael Philip Cash.

Mr. Cash always weaves a thought-provoking and well developed tale, and The History Major is no exception. I was often just as confused as the character of Amanda as to whether I was in her reality or her dreams.  Very seldom does a book keep me guessing as to the outcome, but this one did just that.  It gives the reader a little history, a little horror, a little paranormal, and a lot of heart.