This was a hard-hitting, straight to the point approach of the various dynamics in the Middle East, since the “Arab Spring.” I think that the author could use a more diplomatic and unbiased approach, but she obviously has a huge beef to raise against the religion of Islam and the Muslim people. I don’t think I heard one positive comment in that regard at all, and everything was all about how terrible Islam is, the Muslim culture (of which she grew up in), and the overall cultural approach to how things are going in the Middle East.
She does bring a lot of good questions in the book forward about how the United States needs to really be serious about understanding and learning more about the Islam religion and the fact that they are very serious in their philosophical approach towards controlling and regaining their homeland.
The book was nonstop action, and really kept me engaged throughout, (as I mentioned earlier, a little too negative and biased), and I think it goes a long ways towards helping me to understand a culture and religion totally different from the one that I practice here in the United States.
All in all, a really good read.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
