Remembering Chicago’s history of greatness By Ray Hanania Probably the greatest book ever written is a Chicago history by author Erik Larson called “The Devil in the White City.” If you are among the few who have never read it,… Read More ›
Books & Films
We reviews books in print and audio format, especially books about the Middle East or Middle East related topics and issues. This category also includes reviews and columns about movies, films, entertainment and more. You can send books and DVDs for review to: Ray Hanania, PO Box 2127, Orland Park, IL., 60462
Vacation: The funniest dirty movie I’ve ever seen
The remake of the 1983 hilarious National Lampoon’s Vacation is just as hilarious, but with a heavy r-rating and a lot of f-words. Still, the remake is true to the original in so many ways you’ll almost forget about the… Read More ›
Blagojevich brother Robert pens shocking book
Former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s brother, Robert, has written a must-read book that offers insight into the vicious persecution by the U.S. Justice Department, former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, and U.S. Federal Judge James Zagel. Robert Blagojevich was persecuted so that politicians… Read More ›
Maureen Abood details her love affair with Lebanese food
Veteran Lebanese American Arab writer Maureen Abood has just released her debut book and of course, it is about the richness of Lebanese and Arab foods. “Rose Water & Orange Blossoms” is not just a book of recipes but the… Read More ›
A 9/11 book the world needs to read, Jeremy Scahill’s “Dirty Wars”
A 9/11 book the world needs to read, Jeremy Scahill’s “Dirty Wars” By Ray Hanania Saudi Gazette, Sunday May 11, 2014 In 39 years of professional journalism, I have never come across something more shocking than what I have read… Read More ›
Movie Review: The Monuments Men
Movie Review: The Monuments Men By Ray Hanania George Clooney directs and stars in this Hollywood film about the American military effort to secure what remained of Europe’s greatest art masterpieces, stolen by the Nazis and targeted for destruction by… Read More ›
Veteran Chicago Police Officer Pens New Book
Veteran Chicago Police Officer Pens New Book By RAY HANANIA Southwest News-Herald Newspaper Friday, November 29, 2013 Greg Zito began his career as a military police officer in Germany and worked at the Chicago Transit Authority Police before he joined… Read More ›
Book Review: Flying Carpets by Hedy Habra
Book Review: Flying Carpets by Hedy Habra Author Hedy Habra has penned another great read, the book “Flying Carpets” a collection of 21 short stories that take you through Lebanon and Egypt and mysticism, supernatural and Arab culture. The stories… Read More ›
Book Review: Danger Road by former prosecutor John P. Contini
Book Review: Danger Road by former prosecutor John P. Contini By Ray Hanania As a journalist, I have covered my share of felony court trials, including several involving murder. I’ve seen how painful these trials can be for everyone, especially… Read More ›
Looking for Palestine by Najla Said.
Looking for Palestine by Najla Said. Reviewed by Barbara Nimri Aziz If youve seen Najla Said perform on stage or spoken to her, reading this memoir, youll feel the same person. Looking for Palestine is a conversational memoirfresh, youthful,… Read More ›
Book Review: The Muslim Brotherhood, by Author Carrie Rosefsky Wickham
Book Review: The Muslim Brotherhood, by Author Carrie Rosefsky Wickham When the Arab Spring swept through the Middle East in 2009 and 2010, it should have been obvious to many that the void it would create would not be filled… Read More ›
Book Review: Fast Times in Palestine: A Love Affair with a Homeless Homeland by author Pamela J. Olson
Book Review: Fast Times in Palestine: A Love Affair with a Homeless Homeland by author Pamela J. Olson This book really made me sad as I read it. Olson, a Stanford graduate from Oklahoma who studied physics and political science, is a… Read More ›
The Third Bullet: A Bob Lee Swagger Book 8, by Author Stephen Hunter
The Third Bullet: A Bob Lee Swagger Book 8, by Author Stephen Hunter Read by Buck Shirner Click to get info on Amazon.com John F. Kennedy was more than just a president. He was an event representing the worst tragedy… Read More ›
Back to Blood, by Tom Wolfe
Back to Blood by Tom Wolfe I guess when you are a great novelist you can be lazy because that’s the only way I can describe this audio book which began with such interest and just dropped dead in what… Read More ›
A very special Oscar Night
As a young man, I was inspired to activism by Vanessa Redgrave who stood up to the bullying of the pro-Israel activists at the Academy Awards in 1978 for her 1977 documentary The Palestinians. Redgrave was a hero who stood up to the Jewish Defense League and the pro-Israel racist producer Paddy Chayefsky who brought the Academy Awards to a crescendo of hatred that year on national TV.
Ray Hanania Columns 
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