About the Book
Author: Robert Whitlow
Genre: Legal Drama
Release Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Bestselling author Robert Whitlow dives deep into the legal ramifications of a tragic event half a world away and how it affects two lawyers in Atlanta from vastly different backgrounds.
When Hana Abboud walked into the conference room, she was unprepared for the images of a horrific terrorist attack near the Western Wall in Jerusalem. But after watching a courageous mother sacrifice her life to save her four-year-old daughter, Hana knew she needed to help attorney Jakob Brodsky represent the family’s pursuit of justice against those who perpetrate acts of violent jihad. As an Arab Israeli lawyer trained at Hebrew University, Hana is uniquely qualified to step into the gap. But they need a third partner, an investigator on the ground to help them unravel the snake pit of connections between the terrorists and an organization or company that can be sued in the American courts. Hana returns home to Israel and meets with investigator Hamid Hasan who quickly becomes more than a crucial part of the litigation team.
As Jakob and Hana investigate the case in the US, he is stalked on the streets of Atlanta by affiliates of a terrorist organization. Their pursuit of truth can only be resolved where it began: the streets of Jerusalem. But who can they trust? How deep does deceit go? Can two lawyers and a shadowy investigator impact the kind of violence and terror that has become common in our broken world?
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My Thoughts
Chosen People is the first of Robert Whitlow’s books that I’ve read, and it is impressive. I obviously can’t compare it to his previous books, but I understand that with its backdrop of Islamic terrorism, the theme and pacing are different. Chosen People is well written, suspenseful and entertaining, but also relevant and compelling.I was intrigued by Hana Abboud, a Christian Arab Israeli working in an Atlanta law firm. That combination of faith and nationality is something I had never thought about. In Hana’s words, “More and more Christian Arabs, especially in my generation, identify as Israelis even though we’re not Jewish.” Whitlow’s passion for the subject matter and knowledge of the Middle East is off the charts, and one of this book’s strengths is all that I learned. I thought I had a decent understanding of the Middle East, but Whitlow’s writing opened my mind up to a new awareness and clarity. From that standpoint alone, I’d like to read this book again, just to see what I might have missed and take in even more.
The idea of bringing a lawsuit to hold the perpetrators of terrorism accountable is also intriguing, and might also be a dangerous undertaking. The danger started on American soil, then picked up dramatically once the characters reached the Middle East. Suspense runs high and it’s not obvious who can be trusted. I recommend not even trying to figure it out, because you just might be shocked at the end. Young Sadie, daughter of a victim who sacrificed her life for Sadie, captured this reader’s heart. There’s also a romantic thread that I enjoyed.
The diversity of faith and cultures – Christian, Jewish, Muslim – made the story so realistic. Hana’s love for the Lord and her spiritual witness is truly inspiring; her way of praying often puts me to shame. And in thinking of God’s chosen people, even through complexity and grittiness, Whitlow imparts so much to reflect upon. Even if this book isn’t in the style you usually enjoy, it is well worth reading.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
About the Author
Website: robertwhitlow.com
Twitter: @whitlowwriter
Facebook: robertwhitlowbooks
Guest Post from Robert
Inside the Story
Chosen People—a title that reflects both the Biblical designation for the Jewish nation as well as converted Christians—opens during a terrorist attack near the Western Wall in Jerusalem. A courageous mother sacrifices her life to save her young daughter, leaving behind a grieving husband and a motherless child.Whitlow’s many trips to Israel and his in-depth research into the culture and laws of the Holy City are evident throughout the story. Furthermore, his experience as a lawyer gives him keen insight into the mind of his main character Hanna Abboud, an Arab Christian Israeli lawyer working in Atlanta.
“This book provides a unique perspective to this region and its peoples through the eyes of an Arab Christian who believes that the faithfulness of God and truths of the Bible are unshakable realities,” says Whitlow. “This viewpoint is rarely expressed, yet it is one that needs and deserves to be heard so that it can become part of our framework for understanding this vital part of the world and the people who live there.”
Giveaway
To celebrate his tour, HarperCollins is giving away a grand prize of three finished Robert Whitlow books (to be chosen by the publisher)!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.
Blog Stops
Just the Write Escape, November 8
Genesis 5020, November 8
Multifarious, November 9
Real World Bible Study,
November 9
The Power of Words, November
9
The Becca Files, November 10
Bibliophile Reviews, November 10
C Jane Read, November 11
Caffeinated Christian
Raves – N – Reviews, November 11
Book by Book, November 11
Margaret Kazmierczak, November
12
By The Book, November 12
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 13
Painting with Words, November 13
A Good
Book and Cup of Tea, November 13
Simple Harvest Reads, November 14
(Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Robin is Bookish, November 14
Texas Book-aholic, November 15
Moments, November 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations,
November 16
Mary Hake, November 16
Janices book reviews, November 17
Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy, November 17
Little
Homeschool on the Prairie, November 18
Christian Bookaholic, November
18
Carpe Diem, November 19
Stephanie’s Life of
Perseverance, November 19
A Baker’s Perspective, November
20
Inklings and notions, November
20
Bigreadersite, November 21
For The Love of Books, November
21
Robert Whitlow has long been a favorite author of my husband and me. I think I'll buy this book for my husband's birthday or Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me
ReplyDeleteI love the two books I have read of his. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOur church library readers enjoy his books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving me the opportunity to win (3) of his books.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com