Review of Learning to Listen to Palestine

[Rishaunda Lynnette Britton]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Learning to Listen to Palestine" by Lani Lanchester.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Learning to Listen to Palestine: A Personal Quest by Lani Lanchester gives a unique perspective on the plight of Palestinians, particularly as regards the age-long conflicts between the people of Palestine and the successive Israeli regimes. The book is a product of the author's personal research, observations, and conversations with people from different ethnicities as she tours various cities in Palestine, Israel, and Jordan.

I was shocked by the revelations in this book. The accounts and findings presented here challenged my earlier opinions about what has been going on between the State of Israel and the Palestinian population. For example, before now, I thought that the conflicts have always been between the Israeli population and the Palestinian population, but I now understand the elements that have been causing the troubles and that both Israeli and Palestinian civilians have continued to be victims in all these.

I think this book is an honest and unbiased inquiry into Palestinian and Israeli causes. The author disclosed the three figures—from different nationalities—that shaped her research and writing of this book and really sounded objective in her documentation and analysis. Her tours are clearly presented and reveal crucial information that has been hidden from the public. The naming of actual places visited and people met and the author's empathy for both the suffering Palestinian and Israeli masses suggest transparency and objectivity. Her call for peace over war, love over hatred, fairness over injustice, and forgiveness over bitterness is noble.

There is a need to reassess the "unconditional love for Israel," objectively investigate the incidents of 1948 and 1967, down to the current crisis, and seek a win-win resolution. And to do this effectively, we need to start learning to listen to both parties, stop the dehumanization, and uphold the tenets of human dignity. These, and more, are the core messages and objectives of this book.

Reading this book also informed me of so many things about Jordan and its humanitarian services. I never knew what a great country this is and how wonderful the people are, especially the Bedouin people. I didn't dislike anything in this book. Considering the objective, detailed discourse, I rate Learning to Listen to Palestine: A Personal Quest five out of five stars and recommend it to political leaders, religious leaders, ambassadors, policymakers, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Israeli/Palestinian crises.

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Learning to Listen to Palestine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Rakan Mdluul]

[Anthony Caleb]

I love how the author made a researches regarding these countries, it will be great to have this authors view on this topic.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

By reading this review, I get the feeling that the reviewer truly appreciated this book. In the actual political climate in the World, it is indeed important to listen to both sides of the story. Both Palestinians and Israelis civilians are hurting because of the political agendas. There are real humans (not just ideas) dying, suffering and being scarred for life.

[Enkay Favour]

“Learning to Listen to Palestine: A Personal Quest” by Lani Lanchester offers an in-depth, empathetic exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The author’s firsthand accounts and balanced perspective challenge preconceptions and provide valuable insights into the complexities of the region. This book appears to be a compelling resource for anyone looking to understand the nuanced realities of the conflict and the broader humanitarian context.

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

*Learning to Listen to Palestine* by Lani Lanchester offers an eye-opening exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through personal research and interactions. The book provides a balanced perspective, revealing the shared suffering of both sides and advocating for empathy and dialogue. It’s a valuable read for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the ongoing tensions.

[Nuella Joseph]

"Learning to Listen to Palestine: A Personal Quest" by Lani Lanchester offers a revealing and balanced exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through personal observations and interviews, Lanchester provides insights that challenge conventional perspectives and advocate for empathy and understanding. The book's transparency and call for peace make it a compelling read for anyone interested in the complexities of the region.

[Mercy Ndungu 9]

The realization about the nature of the conflict—understanding that both Israeli and Palestinian civilians are victims—highlights the book's effectiveness in challenging preconceived notions and fostering empathy. The author’s commitment to objectivity and transparency, as you noted, seems to be a significant strength of the book, as it provides a nuanced perspective on a deeply contentious issue.