The Looming Tower
The Looming Tower
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
540
Book • Nonfiction
Multiple Locations • 1980s-2000s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright explores the history and rise of Al Qaeda, examining key figures like Sayyid Qutb and Osama bin Laden, tracing bin Laden's radicalization and the evolution of Al Qaeda into a prominent terrorist organization, culminating in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The book investigates various terrorist attacks and critiques the lack of intelligence cooperation among U.S. agencies. The book contains discussions of terrorist attacks and violent acts.
Informative
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Dark
Reviews & Readership
37,961 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lawrence Wright's The Looming Tower is widely praised for its detailed research and compelling narrative on the events leading to 9/11. Readers appreciate its clarity and depth in covering complex historical events. Critics note it can be dense and overwhelming at times. Overall, it’s an enlightening but heavy read, valuable for understanding the roots of terrorism.
Who Should Read The Looming Tower?
Readers who would enjoy Lawrence Wright's The Looming Tower are typically interested in in-depth, investigative journalism and modern history, particularly the events leading up to 9/11. Fans of Steve Coll's Ghost Wars or Peter Bergen's Manhunt will appreciate its detailed narrative and comprehensive analysis of terrorism.
37,961 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
540
Book • Nonfiction
Multiple Locations • 1980s-2000s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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