Believe it or not there are other books about the Middle East besides the Iraq War, Iran's President, terrorists, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Here are two alternatives that can be easily read on a transatlantic or transpacific flight to put you in a better state of mind. They are also excellent gifts.

One novel is a love story and the other a real life account of events in Iran. Both books will dispel some stereotypes about Iraq and Iran and open up an entirely different world to you.

The first book is fiction and takes place in what was known as the "City of Peace" aka Baghdad. It is a love story entitled

The Angel with One Hundred Wings: A Tale from the Arabian Nights. Young readers will especially like this book.

The story puts the King's most trusted friend in an awkward position. The friend is hiding the indiscretions of the King's beautiful concubine who has fallen in love with a young Prince. Some of the characters actually are real though. Sultan Harun al-Rashid who actually was a famous Caliph in Bagdad when science, the arts and religion flourished.

The second book, "Searching for Hassan: A Journey to the Heart of Iran", is an action-packed story about an American family in search of Hassan, their former cook, caretaker and friend when they were living in Iran.

Author Terry Ward and his two brothers grew up in Iran before the Ayatolas took over and have lost touch with Hassan. Thirty years have gone by and all they have is a photo of the young Hassan and the name of a remote village.

Did the Wards find Hassan? Sorry, you'll have to get the book and take the journey with them to find out. You'll be amazed at what they uncover as they search for their long lost friend.
If you know of any good books about the middle east, please share them with us.