I did not/could not know enough in advance about this book before buying it that it comes from a political, historical, economic and religious viewpoint VERY different than my own. However, I believe that it is good to take in information and viewpoints from people who DON'T share one's own sensibilities and convictions. I don't blame the vendor, nor do I blame the author. The buying/selling experience (multiple items) was picture-perfect. I bought the book because it is timely, albeit written a few years ago, because the Middle East IS the contemporary "Epicenter" of much of today's news events. Therefore, the more that 'interested laypersons' and citizens who would like to be current with today's events are aware of the previous historical events of that area, the better informed they will be when TV and other media show us and discuss daily happenings. I WANT to know why so many countries' governments seem not to like Americans, while the citizens of those countries tend to emulate American fashions, styles, music, etc. I WANT to know what America's interests are in that region. I WANT to know how Israel fits into all of this 'realpolitik.' In short, while this book would not be my choice as a textbook, I would certainly put it on any student's serious books-to-read list, in order to compare and contrast the points made by THIS author to the points made by other authors, as well as how all of that fits into the generally-accepted history of that region. And no, I am NOT a teacher; I studied Economics, Government, Money-and-Banking, History and Languages when I was in college, then traveled to more than a dozen countries after I left school. As an aside, I love mid-Eastern food, several of my closest friends are from that general area and they are the finest people I know: Jews, Christians and Muslims. I'm not sure I'd want to live in any of those countries (the Caribbean is my favorite part of the world), but I do believe that the mid-East is the most important region for anyone... EVERYONE... to be concerned about, therefore it is incumbent for us to know as much about the history as possible.Read full review
Excellent book. The kind you can't put down once you have started reading it. It contains declassified government information regarding the middle east. The author has been actively involved with the Reagan administration and other political figures in Washington for many years. The book provides a picture of the past, present, and future of the middle east as it is foretold in the Bible. Highly recommend this book.
I bought this book because I have been following the writing of this author for several years, and knew this book contained the factual basis for four preceding novels that included events that actually happened in real life prior to the release of the novels. I found the novels stimulating, and found this book to be enlightening and helpful in understanding events occuring in our lives. I recommend this book highly to others and commend the author for his efforts to interest and educate us. Epicenter is well written and well documented. It holds interest and maintains continuity. Again, I recommend it highly.
Joel has a lot to say about how he got his information concerning the plots in his fictious writing that later came about in real life activity through Bible prophecy. He reveals the importance for one to see how prophecy and history interlock. Through the lens of a higher scriptural based life, that has more depth to it than just the shallow surfaces of ones own personal meager view points, reveals not only the promise of life with God but also the intense threat one bares if life is not lived with God's constant influence and guide. This is an excellent, thought provoking, serious book and it is worth everyone's time to read it and ponder its underlying message. Even if one doesn't believe in "end of times" Epicenter is an important message for all to see how the Scriptures has a deep prophetic nature concerning all mankind's mortal history.Read full review
I heard Joel speak on a couple different TV shows and immediately looked for his books. I am interested in the topic of the last days. This book is non-fiction, Joel is a highly educated and respected man, still young, in his thirties I believe, who has audience with the movers and shakers in this world. This book explains how he came to write his fiction series and also explains the political map and make-up of the world we live in today. I highly recommend this book to any thinker! A must for any library.
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