Zeitoun by Dave Eggers - B+

I must have enjoyed this book immensely since I was accused by my family of ignoring them while I had my "nose in the book."


I did enjoy this non-fiction book very much.  On its main level, the book is about one family's experiences during and after Hurricane Katrina, but the book is about so much more.  In its 300+ pages, Zeitoun explores the government's response to Katrina (from the perspective of the family central to the book), how the government's (and FEMA's) response was colored by 9/11 and the impact of Homeland Security.


I am likely to the political right of the one or two people who follow this blog, but without giving too much of the book away, I would say that the largest takeaway for me from this book was a reminder that the successful operation of our government depends on the faithful execution of the rule of law.  I certainly don't want to get preachy on this post or any post, but what has historically differentiated our government from almost any other government is our adherence to the rule of law.  And, adherence to the rule of law is most difficult, and most important, in difficult times.  It's easy when everything is lollipops and bubblegum.  We have to work even harder after a terrorist event or a domestic catastrophe.   Many of us have lost sight of this, and for them, Zeitoun is a must read.