Peace Amidst Conflict

by Rene Reid

A fictional love story set during and after the shocking reality of 9/11, this narrative parallels the plight of America as the characters search for solutions to a senseless and ill-conceived war during which a couple struggles to work through their own personal conflicts. A romance set against one of the greatest tragedies in U.S. history, Peace Amidst Conflict beautifully demonstrates how understanding the opposition is an essential step toward healing rifts between individuals as well as nations. Peace Amidst Conflict opens with the tragic scene of two airplanes flying into the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. Through two twin brothers, one the attorney general of California and the other a staff member in the office of the U.S. secretary of state in Washington, the narrative weaves together the ill-preparedness of the intelligence agencies before the attack on the World Trade Center; the determination of the Bush administration to rearrange the map of the Middle East; the manipulation of the CIA who were ordered to find a reason to go into Iraq; the op-ed article released by Ambassador Joseph Wilson attacking President Bush for using the infamous Niger Report as a justification; the retaliation of the administration by leaking the identity of Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, as a CIA agent; and the inhumane treatment of the detainees in Abu Ghraib. Tying together these separate but related issues in a compelling narrative that offers a general understanding of what happened behind-the-scenes in the lead-up to the Iraqi war, the story is both compelling and informative. Ultimately, through interviews with international experts, the brothers create a new diplomatic foreign policy for the next presidential administration that will open the way to more peaceful solutions to world relations.

467 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kendar Necole]

I found Peace Amidst Conflict to be a thoughtful and reflective read. Peace Amidst Conflict explores how inner peace can still be found even in the middle of life’s struggles, and that message really stood out to me.
What I appreciated most was how relatable the writing felt. The ideas weren’t overly complicated, yet they carried a lot of depth. There were moments that made me pause and reflect on my own experiences, especially how we respond to challenges and uncertainty.
That said, there were a few parts that felt a bit repetitive, but the overall message remained strong and encouraging. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t rush you, it invites you to slow down and think.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for something calm, meaningful, and a bit uplifting, especially during stressful times.

[Manisha Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome I love this book