When Life Begins

*Mornings in Jenin* by Susan Abulhawa is a poignant and powerful novel that spans several decades, telling the story of a Palestinian family whose lives are profoundly affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The novel centers around the Abulheja family, whose home in the West Bank town of Jenin is destroyed during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The narrative follows the lives of several generations, particularly focusing on the struggles and resilience of the protagonist, Amal, as she grows up in a refugee camp, grapples with the loss of her family members, and contends with the trauma of displacement. Through vivid storytelling, *Mornings in Jenin* paints a deeply human portrait of the Palestinian experience—capturing the pain of exile, the loss of homeland, and the hope for a better future despite the violence and suffering. The novel is an emotional exploration of love, survival, and the impact of political conflict on personal lives, offering readers a deeply empathetic view into the complexities of the Middle East and the ongoing struggle for peace and justice.

*Power vs. Force* by David R. Hawkins explores the distinction between true power and the use of force in human behavior, consciousness, and decision-making. Drawing on concepts from psychology, philosophy, and spirituality, Hawkins introduces a "Map of Consciousness" to demonstrate how different levels of human consciousness influence our actions and experiences. He argues that power comes from a place of integrity, love, and truth, while force relies on coercion, control, and fear. Through this lens, the book examines how individuals, organizations, and societies can elevate their consciousness and align with higher moral and ethical principles to create more positive and harmonious outcomes. Using a mix of scientific analysis and spiritual insight, *Power vs. Force* offers readers a framework to better understand the dynamics of personal and collective energy, and how choosing power over force can lead to greater peace and success in life.

*The Problems of Philosophy* by Bertrand Russell is an introductory work on philosophy that explores some of the most fundamental questions in the field. Written in clear and accessible prose, the book addresses key issues such as the nature of knowledge, the distinction between appearance and reality, the existence of the external world, and the reliability of our senses. Russell examines the philosophical methods of empiricism, idealism, and rationalism, offering readers a concise overview of major philosophical debates. Central to the work is the idea that philosophy, while not always providing definitive answers, encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world. The book also introduces Russell's own perspectives on topics like skepticism, the nature of truth, and the role of philosophy in everyday life. *The Problems of Philosophy* is a foundational text for those new to philosophy, offering a thoughtful and engaging exploration of how we come to know and understand the world around us.

*Why Nations Go to War* by John G. Stoessinger is a comprehensive analysis of the causes of war, examining both historical and contemporary conflicts to understand why nations engage in violent conflict. The book explores various political, social, and psychological factors that lead to war, including national ambitions, misperceptions, fear, and the roles of individual leaders. Stoessinger uses case studies of major wars, such as World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War, to highlight how misunderstandings, unchecked power, and the failure of diplomacy contribute to the escalation of conflicts. The book also emphasizes the human cost of war and the importance of understanding the deeper, often irrational motivations behind international conflict. *Why Nations Go to War* is an insightful and accessible work for readers interested in international relations, political science, and the complexities of global conflict.