Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 starsObjective, Thorough, and Educational
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2016
I was pleased with 'The Ashes of Waco.'
The book is, first, well-written for one of its type, with a good, straightforward narrative that doesn't get in the way of the facts (and isn't without some cheeky wit every now and then). The text is based on comprehensive research, and the author's analyses are reasonably objective, with no detectable bias toward either "side" of the Waco affair. As far as substance, 'Ashes' shines, not only for providing a sound and insightful account of the events, but also their circumstances and context, including an impressive outline of the Branch Davidian doctrine, as to provide a glimpse into the basic psychology and reasoning of its adherents. Additionally, the book presents a classic study of "worlds colliding," in which two groups, and their individual, subjective realities, clash, with lethal results. By showcasing the respective perceptions of each side of the conflict, and the stark contrasts in each, 'Ashes' exposes the deeper, psychological causes at play, as well as the unsavory motives and distorted thinking that were operative throughout (again on both "sides," and near-equally). As best as I can judge from the facts as presented in this book, neither side is, in the end, revealed to be "right," with each, instead, being equally under the influence of broken logic, mental tunnel-vision, and biased perception -- "shades of grey" made flesh, as it were.
From the example set forth by the Waco incident and its many actors, we can all learn a thing or two, I think. Thus, we see the true value of books such as 'The Ashes of Waco': in some small way, they might help to prevent future repetitions of violence, if only we can absorb their lessons and put them into practice.
My thanks goes out to this book's author, subjects, and publisher. I am grateful for, and have benefited from, your work and service.
