The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles: A Woman's Fight to Save Two Orphans

I cannot understand why more people are not reading this WONDERFUL book. Perhaps they don't know about it. It will be my pleasure to tell you about a great book. I do not lightly give a book 5 stars (I wish there were 6 stars). Hala, the author, is a British journalist, a Muslim, married to a British photographer. Her assignment is war torn Iraq. More specifically her assignment is the Iraqi people, referred to by the press as "collateral damage." The collateral damaged were beautiful children and families. In many cases whole families were wiped out by allied bombs. I was amazed that the "accidents" were much much much more extensive than I ever imagined. It is necessary to read between the lines to know how sadden Hala is by the war. She is not openly critical of the allies, remember she is employed by the British press. Many of her articles focus on the wounded and orphaned children. Several of these children are closely followed and updated to recent time. She writes beautifully. She has a story to tell, a very personal story. She is involved emotionally by her Muslim faith. This is a heart read. You will cry, laugh,and rejoice. When it is finished, you will wish for more.

I was captivated by this story. Should be required reading for all cadets going to officer candidate schools. Should absolutely be read by any leader thinking about engaging in a "war of choice". Actions have consequences. Wars invariably have many horrific consequences. This story of how a Western journalist's life is shattered by events in the latest Iraq war is an eye-openner. By limiting the scope of the book to a couple of tragic incidents, and interjecting her personal challenges, the author has allowed the reader to go beyond the general statistics to the particular with heart-wrenching results. Well done.

I read this book in two days, that is how enchanting it was. I felt like I was beside Hala the whole time, as she takes a journey through Bagdad and reveals the tradgedies and miracles that take place along the way. This book will make you open up your mind and see the war from a different perspective. Truly Inspiring!!