I laughed out loud several times. I really liked the main characters. What's more fun than two bumbling travelers hazarding into some danger!
It is a satire, make no mistake, but it's subject matter is extremely timely. The entire time I was reading the book, I kept thinking "this would make a fantastic movie!" If you have seen (or have a chance to see) the 1979 movie "The In-Laws" with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, you will know what I mean. The protagonists play it straight, though the author clearly has his tongue in his cheek the entire time. When you are crafting a satire involving ISIS and many, many beheadings, it is a fine line that must be walked. The author does so admirably well. Because the reality of the events in the book are, sadly, a part of our reality, it could be upsetting to some despite its positioning as a satire. If you are able to make the necessary compartmentalization, this is a great read.
Myths of the Tribe: When Religion and Ethics Diverge provides an interesting and in-depth exploration of the history of religion in general, especially the catholic and protestant faiths in relationship to ethics and social issues facing the globe. I recommend this book if you are looking for some insight into religion and what religions say about certain social issues.
A very interesting treatise on how ethics & religion are often separated. A fascinating analysis of the history and current application of the major world religions to the ethical problems of today. Reinforced my belief that most organized religions are at the root of the worlds problems regarding military conflicts, terrorism, most types of extremism, and a general disbelief in scientific facts. Well worth the read!
About Us
David Rich was an assistant AG and law professor, retiring in his 40s to become a full-time traveler, living in almost every country on the planet while writing dozens of travel stories. Myths of the Tribe, when religion and ethics diverge (Prometheus Books 1993) examined the influence of organized religion on ethics, 2nd ed. 2019. RV the World, 2nd ed., 2018, combines his seventeen-year tour of 170 countries with lots of practical advice. In 2019 David wrote The ISIS Affair, a satire on religion and nationalism in Syria and Scribes of the Tribe. our greatest thinkers on religion and ethics. His latest book is Antelopes, a modern-day Gulliver’s Travels, published Nov. 2020.