Every Man in This Village Is a Liar: An Education in War

This book was an absolutely stunning memoir. Stacks has an unbelievable way with prose, and offering some of the most vivid “showing” I've read in any work. Her observations in Libya and Yemen were especially interesting, making me question the role of government in people's lives. She offered new insight as to issues of war and the Middle East, which is unusual, since at this point I feel a bit as thought I've read it all. I would highly suggest this book to anyone interested in the Middle East or America's 21st century wars.

However, as a caveat, I would also say that it would help if you had some sort of background or prior reading in this subject. It's not necessary, but it'll help. I found myself a little bit lost in the chapter on Lebanon because my understanding of Hezbollah is less developed than what I've learned about Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, etc.