Gr 5-10--Two series entries that emphasize aspects of everyday life. Each volume opens with a pithy, half-page summary and then goes on to discuss the geography, history, government, and economy of the region. The last half of each book considers lifestyles, religion, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and foods, including a recipe for a typical dish. Lebanon presents a nuanced picture of a war-torn country struggling to reestablish itself as a nation. Sheehan explains how its Arab identity is coupled with "confessionalism," a system whereby people identify themselves by religion. The author also manages to defuse the term "jihad," describing it as not only "holy war" against an enemy, but also as an individual's struggle against baser instincts within.
