Michele Cushatt - Writer and Speaker

Book Review: Kabul 24, by Henry O. Arnold & Ben Pearson

Posted on 17. Jul, 2010 by Michele in Communicate

Part of being a book reviewer involves the unpleasant task of being completely honest when a book doesn’t quite thrill. But that’s my job, to provide you with preview of the stories that both wow and disappoint. At least from my perspective.

For the record, I loathe negative reviews, both reading them and writing them, primarily because I’m a writer and can’t stand the thought of someone criticizing my babies for all the world to see. It’s quite a lot of work to put together an article or story, let alone an entire 300 pages of narrative and information. I have the greatest of respect for authors–these authors–and it’s a professional respect that is not diminished by the forthcoming review.

Kabul 24 is the incredible account of average people who discovered extraordinary faith when kidnapped by the Taliban. The premise is fantastic, and many of us recognize echoes of it’s reality from newscasts and newspapers. As the back cover copy states, “They were teachers, engineers, nurses, students and artists from around the world who answered God’s call …” Inspiring, admirable and a story worthy of telling.

It claims to be “the story you didn’t see on CNN.” And it is, but the telling of the story didn’t match the beauty and intensity of it’s actuality. After months of trying to get through the book, I finally had to cry “uncle,” with nearly a 100 pages left to go. Although the real life circumstances and people show heroism and courage, I struggled to connect with the words on the page. This could be something entirely unique to me, or it could be that the writing lacked the “wow” factor. Heaven knows my own writing has often lacked the same factor.

Would I recommend this book? For the sake of honoring the people involved, yes. But for story itself, notsomuch.

Tags: Book Reviews, Books