Reading Response 7

Whew, it feels like we just got started, but we have finally made it to the end of Armstrong's twisting and turning history of Jerusalem.  So that means everything is peaceful and everyone can now go back into their lovely lives and enjoy, right? Wrong. Although Armstrong puts us through 1995, the last 18 years has shown that there is still unrest in Jerusalem. 

I thought that these last few chapters were the best of the book because I could relate to them more than the earlier history that I had not previously studied.  From the Holocaust to the 1967 War, I could follow along easier due to the minor knowledge I have on those events.  Armstrong really does a great job in wrapping up the book and allowing an open flow of continued history to jump right in.  I think that is amazing how far Jerusalem has come, but has so much to live up to in the future. 

After these last few weeks of reading, it has really spun me around multiple times with all of the dates, names, and rich history that surrounds one of the most historic places in the world.  I think that the book has helped me analyze history a little better in some sense, even though there is no way that I could remember even half of the people or places she mentioned.  As a Jew, it is interesting to learn the major pieces of history that surround the state of Israel, especially the holy city of Jerusalem.  I think this book is a good transition for the rest of the class, looking into the last 18 years of history and what we have to look forward to in the future.  The questions of "will peace ever come back?" continue...