John Walker Lindh: American Taliban (Paperback)

~ Sarah Jess (Author), Gabriel Beck (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Book Lindh's Attorneys Do Not Want You To Read:

"This is to put you on notice that publication would be at your peril."--Brosnahan, Harris, West, Chatterjee, attorneys for John Walker Lindh.

"Yes, I Supported" the 9/11 Attack on America. - John Walker Lindh

John Walker Lindh, at age 14, was a confused, unhappy, angry little boy with a fascination for the violent rhythms of hip-hop music. By age 16, his anger was directed at Jews, Gays, Zionists, Christians, and White America. In 1998 he joined a "Pakistan-based jehadi organization" linked to terrorists wishing to overthrow the USA. He wanted to be a holy warrior. The presence of U.S. ships off the coast of Yemen was "an act of war against Islam" he declared. He journeyed to Yemen on a mission which coincided with the bombing of the USS Cole. Mission accomplished, John Walker left for Pakistan and met with Taliban officials, and then journeyed to Afghanistan where he swore allegiance to Osama bin Laden who preached "Death to America." But was it the USA which John Walker wished to destroy, or his unknown face? John Walker was at war with himself for he hated and sought to destroy his true identity. He called himself "doodoo" but pretended he was a Black "gangsta" rap star wannabe, and announced he would "remain anonymous" because of homosexuality. He was not a "worthless dickrider" but an imitation Muslim in search of purity. Yet imitation is not reality, which is why John Walker Lindh, in picking up the martyr's gun, was aiming not for the "Great Satan" or the United States, but at something more insidious and full of sin... his unknown face.

From the Publisher

We relied on eight major sources in researching, writing, and publishing this book, John Walker Lindh: American Taliban. 1) We were able to trace John Walker Lindh's internet newsgroup e-mail postings, beginning at age 14 and continuing until age 17. These postings in fact parallel the facts about his activities as reported in the public record, including his name change to Suleyman, and his trip to Ireland which is also mentioned in these newsgroup postings. Some are even signed "John Lindh." These postings offer a road map into his mind and mental development, and chronicle his metamorphosis from pretend gangster rap star to holy warrior.

Other major sources include: 2) Statements made by his parents to all the major news networks, newspapers and magazines. 3) Justice Department and FBI filings. 4) Filings by Lindh's attorneys. 5) Taped and written media interviews with John Walker Lindh. 6) Research we already conducted in researching our books: "America Attacked" and "Terrorism, Future Wars Against America." 7) First person accounts by individuals who met John Walker Lindh. 8) Good old fashion investigative research.

In researching this book, we made repeated attempts to contact John Walker Lindh's family, and repeatedly contacted his attorneys. We were so confident about the accuracy, factual basis and the veracity of this book that we even offered Lindh's attorneys a copy of the final manuscript and informed them if they could find anything wrong, anything that was false or inaccurate, we would allow them to point out any errors and we would print their rebuttal. This was unprecedented. No other publisher, to our knowledge, has ever made such an offer. Yet, we did so as we were confident the book was accurate. They declined our offer.

Instead, Lindh's attorneys decided to denounce the book without reading it. They in fact threatened us without ever having seen a copy. This is the book that Lindh's attorneys do not want you to read.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: University Pr (March 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971644594
• ISBN-13: 978-0971644595
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,938,164 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Legally Irrelevant Facts Abound, April 15, 2002

By	Steve Baughman (san francisco) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Walker case tends to blur the vision of the American public, prompting us to rely more on our gut than our brains in formulating an opinion. The facts themselves really are not very sexy. The Indictment itself shows that far from dedicating himself to "killing Americans", as the Attorney General has alleged, Walker expressly refused the offer to participate in terror operations against the United States. It's there in Count 1, paragraph 14.

All Walker did was receive training to fight the Northern Alliance. He then went to the front to fight this group of unsavory warlords. That's it. Nothing more. Hardly grounds for the lynch mob mentality that has swept the nation.

The Indictment and many sensible articles on the case can be found [on the web]...

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The most atrocious work I've ever read..., September 12, 2002

By	drumona (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I'd be embarrassed to have my name on the cover of this book (and I'm NOT talking about Lindh!) Beyond even the topic of this book, I have several major issues. First of all, I cannot believe that Jess and Beck even have the gall to call themselves writers. They should go back to 1st grade and start again. This book was a joke, the most poorly written thing I've ever read in my life. Ever heard of an editor? Because I found more typos on the first page than I could count. Ever heard of writing clearly and concisely to get your point across without repeating yourself over and over? How about actual sentences, rather than endless fragments? Maybe you should find some concrete facts before accusing Lindh of unfounded allegations (i.e. his homosexuality, etc.) To potential readers: regardless of your own opinions of Lindh, DON'T BUY THIS BOOK! It insults your own intelligence. I returned mine!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pseudo-psychology and bigotry offered at pop history, July 20, 2005

By	Jason Reynolds (Portland, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The thesis is that John Walker Lindh became a jihadist is because he was a self-hating homosexual. Astonishing. The Taliban didn't recruit a lot of gays, that I know of. The author also says that 50% of RC Clergy are gay and that the Middle Ages burned witches because gays hate women. It says some equally ridiculous things about Jews, Christians, Muslims-- and the whole thing is a rant and worthless to someone
looking to understand the extremist mind. I have found what I was looking for in Eric Hoffer's 60's manifesto, The True Believer. This book is truly awful. I often sell used books to Powell's in Portland, but this book I intend to toss in the trash.