a must-read for those who missed the connections- or- those who want a insightful review of the rise to power of the el Sauds and the Bin Ladens in the Arabian peninsula in the last century

What a tale. Except it is all true. Whereas Mike Moore threw out facts without much context, Coll provides well-researched history and explanations, making our weird relationship with The House of Saud that much more clear. And Murky.

The Bin Laden Family is far more complex and interesting than I would have thought possible, and as alien and strange, when compared to western society, as you could imagine.

This is an important book, one that provide the curious with information, background, and a glimmer of understanding as to how Osama became who he was, and how his family life, Muslim marital and divorce practices, and the strange, complex, and bizarre entity we know as the Bin Laden family came to be.

The only thing worse than learning how US policies led to 9/11 is seeing how we have coddled and knowingly supported one of the most corrupt family dictatorships in the world - the Sauds. Eye-opening, fascinating and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.

Here are 671 well written pages about the family we wish we did not know. Unfortunately, the American (and World) public know of the evil Osama even if none of the other family members rest in our memories.

Steve Coll gives us more insight into that family than we really need, but, we are craving to know. He does it so well that it does not take as long to read over 600 pages than one might think.

The reader will be "pleased" when it is revealed that Osama's father died in a plane crash in 1988.

Author of Mr. NewHeart (New Heart): Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond


I also recommend A Step of Faith - an inspiring story to help get you through the month.

Here are 671 well written pages about the family we wish we did not know. Unfortunately, the American (and World) public know of the evil Osama even if none of the other family members rest in our memories.

Steve Coll gives us more insight into that family than we really need, but, we are craving to know. He does it so well that it does not take as long to read over 600 pages than one might think.

The reader will be "pleased" when it is revealed that Osama's father died in a plane crash in 1988.

Author of Mr. NewHeart (New Heart): Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond

I enjoyed this book a lot - It's a fascinating history of a family's rise from nothing to high influence in Saudi Arabia. Steve Coll and his team have researched this very well and provide a high resolution story of the Bin Laden family. By their close association to the Royal Family, we find out about the secretive ways in which decisions are/were made.

The middle east is a vastly different place from any other on earth - here's a great insight into a very different culture. If you're into the history of interesting places that influence your every day life, this will not disappoint.

Not sure why a previous reviewer felt compelled to review his life in Saudi instead of the book, but for sure the book is more interesting than his life.

As someone who lived in Saudi Arabia for 12 years, and who personally knew members of the royal family, including two of their Kings, I rushed out to purchase this book the first moment I heard about it. Additionally, my friends in the royal family used to share plenty of stories about the Bin Laden family and their reputation for being the "pet company" of King Abdul Aziz and his two kingly sons, Faisal and Fahad. Therefore, I have greatly enjoyed the read which brought back many memories of my 12 years in the Kingdom. I was there when King Khalid, one of the nicest men in the Al Saud family ruled, and when he died my boss, Dr. Nizar Feteih, was in Taif with Khalid, so I heard firsthand everything that happened on the king's deathbed. Dr. Feteih loved King Khalid like a second father, and from my years of observing, I believe that King Khalid loved Dr. Feteih like a son. King Fahd then assumed the reins and I always found him to be a very kindly person who could not turn down helping anyone with a sad story. He even listened to me when I complained about the tragedy of so many homeless animals in Riyadh, even as my boss was standing to the side seething that I had brought up such a topic to the king! But, King Fahd was patient and kind and listened to me with a sweet smile on his face and later even made a few changes in the way homeless animals were treated by the municipal authorities. Now, they have King Abdullah, who is one of a kind. The Kingdom is in good hands with their current king, and I am hoping to see stability and good change in various arenas. But, enough of the memories. I would like to say that I admire the author for all the time devoted to this writing project. It's clear that he has done extensive research, and that he has written well on these two very important, wealthy, and influential families. I see where the author states that he was unable to get cooperation from the Bin Laden family, so that takes away slightly from the credibility of any personal accounts, because unless it is from a member of the family, it is delegated to "hear-say." Despite this one drawback, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the the history of Saudi Arabia and of the ruling family, as well as the Bin Laden story. I admire the author for his hard work and first rate book. Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia;Mayada, Daughter of Iraq: One Woman's Survival Under Saddam Hussein;Love in a Torn Land: Joanna of Kurdistan: The True Story of a Freedom Fighter's Escape from Iraqi Vengeance