Longitudes and Attitudes

Starred review from August 19, 2002
"History just took a right turn into a blind alley," comments the New York Times
columnist in his latest book, "and something very dear has just been taken away from us." Tackling this observation from many different angles, this lucid book, consisting of Friedman's exceptionally frank and convincing columns and an insightful post-September 11 diary, prods at the questions surrounding that day and offers an invaluable reporter's perspective on the world from outside U.S. borders. The columns, which are the bulk of the book, represent a comprehensive album of the past two years—ranging from the usefulness of building a missile shield to analyzing the structure of Arab societies—yet they rarely stray from the central theme of promoting thoughtful and measured consideration of the U.S.' role in the world. However, the previously unpublished diary offers the most insight to the state of the world after September 11. Stranded in Israel during the attacks, Friedman ended up traveling throughout the Middle East, discovering how the terrorist attacks affected the region and uncovering many of the roots of anti-American sentiment, which he aptly describes alongside his reflections on watching his daughter's multicultural middle-school chorus sing "God Bless America." Unapologetically pro-American, Friedman's deliberation on what changed on September 11 outside of the U.S. ultimately centers on the strength of American society and our place in the world. (On sale Sept. 4)Forecast:Friedman has become a touchstone for readers trying to understand events of the past year. With a 12-city author tour, this will no doubt, like his previous books, appear on bestseller lists.

Friedman's first-person observation positioned as current event commentary is a signature trademark, one that is captured in this volume of essays, originally published as columns in the NEW YORK TIMES. His characteristic buoyant tone and easy familiarity take the listener through difficult topics such as the aftermath of 9/11, Bill Clinton's letter to the Middle East, and speculation on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The author as narrator is an ideal format for someone like Friedman, who revels in bringing his ideas alive. Through intonation, pitch, and cadence he infuses his readings with a personal style, giving listeners the sense that they're having a one-on-one conversation instead of merely hearing past columns. M.R. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine