Ticket to Paradise [Paperback]

I have met Yvonne Ridley in person, listened to her, talked with her. I agree with Sherif completely. Yvonne Ridley stands for justice; she has never expressed any negative views aginst USA. Please, learn all the facts before forming an opinion about anything. She and many others like her hurts for those innocent who are hurt, killed, raped. She is a great voice and a wonderful example for all. Read, learn and open your heart. If you wish to learn more.
Sincerely,
Margaret P.

I haven't read this one yet, but I have a comment on Joy's review. Before judging you should let go of nationalism which blinds. Yvonne is not Anti - American, she's against injustice and unjustified killing of innocent people whether it comes from America or any other nation.

Yvonne Ridley creates an engrossing and suspenseful thriller of personal courage in the wake of sweeping global change of perspective in Ticket to Paradise. In the Arab region, the jihad is the capital of the world where brothers go to help their fellow brothers and paradise is where all martyrs are destined as a reward for their jihad on earth. Cycles of hate and tunnel vision repeat an unending loop.

A complexly engrossing work of fiction from a woman's perspective detailing the deepest emotions intertwined with ethical and intellectual comprehension, this tale pulls the reader smoothly into its field and subtly presents a mirror for one's own evaluations. Ticket to Paradise serves a paradox of this phrase in a delectably thought provoking and intriguing scenario as the panoramic drama unfolds and we watch spellbound the personal growth that springs from courage to embrace changing awareness.

9/11 showed just how messy and complicated life on this planet of countries with differing faiths and cultures can be with the political arena and very personal responses of her citizens. In the face of supposed elevations of enlightenment, culture often ensnares its people in bigotry and racism precipitated from religious doctrine despite the great teachings of spiritually aware text.

The riveting tale touches the heart and soul of passionate women of intellectual bent and presents a microcosm vs. macrocosm view of faith and cultural doctrine as we watch individuals and society come to grips with these facets, including the place of women and social facades. The bright and torn protagonist as a British star reporter stands on the brink of self-revelation in her personal evolution and mainstay choices which ultimately route the path of her and other's destinies. She must weed and eradicate unsuitable relationships, no matter how fascinating to find the strength to follow her newly developed beliefs into her own scope of conviction for her personal and romantic arenas as well as her world viewpoint. Interviewing her own integrity, colored by treks into Palestine and the Arab world as an investigative reporter of human import, leads her to distinguish between the definition of martyr and terrorist.

Ridley's work exists as an outstanding source of political reality, choices, particular and firmly held beliefs and their consequences. A final twist leads the reader to feel a bit out of phase - and that is, of course, the first step to re-evaluation. One must face the fire and be true to the inner calling.