What every American should know about the rest of the world

Kliatt, July, 2003 by Ann Hart

ROSSI, M.L. What every American should know about the rest of the world. Penguin Putnam, Plume. 382p. illus. maps. notes. bibliog. index. c2003. 0-452-28405-8. $14.00.

JSA

Inspired by September 11, in the author's words, "this book alms to provide you with: a contextual mapping of the world's geopolitical hot spots and a familiarity with the names, terms and ideas you need to know to decipher global events." Part almanac, part narrative, injected with subtle humor and commentary it is informative. non-scholarly and formatted for a sound bite-accustomed audience, making the information easy to find. Forty-five topics, countries or regions are grouped by prominence in global politics under the headings: "Tickers," "Slow Tickers," "Talkers," and "The Big Picture." Touching on every world region, it mostly deals with the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and some Latin and South American countries. The role of the United States, positive or negative, is always included. An Afterword discourages complacency and discusses reader participation in the geo-political situation. Rossi's experience as a journalist living abroad is a reassuring measure of her authority o n her subjects. Her Korea chapter completely agreed with a Today Show feature aired on May 19, 2003. She includes small maps, photos, a glossary, bibliography, list of resources, notes and an index. As a reference tool, this is not as comprehensive as traditional almanacs in facts on economy, education, and history and geography, but it is a must-have for supplementing the current events curriculum. This type of work is outdated as soon as it is published (we have experienced the Iraqi War since), but it will continue to be extremely valuable in understanding the issues. Recommended for every literate and thinking American citizen. Ann Hart, Trustee, Juniata County Library, Mifflintown, PA