Rating: 
Summary: Disappointingly Divisive
Review: I was saddened to see that Rep King cited Steven Emerson and Daniel Pipes for his stats. I would urge anyone who liked this book to at least review the comments made by those who tell a different story about Pipes and Emerson. Pipes and Emerson are clearly advancing their personal agenda, with the lack of any real hard facts, based purely on their ideology, and are now getting mainstream approval.
Rating: 
Summary: HIs Best Effort Yet
Review: I've read all three of the novels written by Peter King and "Vale of Tears" is his best effort to date. Though all are works of fiction, they are constructed around contemporary events--from the conflict in Northern Ireland to the post 9/11 era. King is great at telling a teriffic story but he always manages to weave in an abundance of historical facts...and some stinging personal commentary. This book is no exception. I was facinated to read his account of the measures undertaken by law enforcement authorities to radically ratchet up security against future terrorist threats in the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center. His description of the New York City Police Department's anti-terrorism command headquarters rings with authenticity. You have no doubt King has been there and seen it all for himself. Most notable in this "novel" is the author's evident dismay at the manner in which the American muslim community has failed to cooperate with efforts to ferret out potential terrorists hiding in our (their?) midst. King makes his point without being preachy and does it, as well, without demonizing all things muslim. Undoubtedly, his view is informed by his real life access to homeland security data as a member of the United States House of Representatives. This book is an easy read because King lets his characters do almost all the talking. He has become a master of dialogue. I would urge anyone with an interest in post 9/11 America to purchase this book without delay. You won't be sorry.
Rating: 
Summary: Imus was wrong - This is a good book
Review: Pete King brings the fear of terrorism right to Nassau County. In his book he describes not only what occured in New York and Washington during September 11th and after but the possibility of future terrorism not just in NYC but the terroists have come out to the Island.A bombing occurs on Long Island and there is a possibility of much larger attack in NYC. While this plot is unfolding the main character Sean Cross is working with the FBI, NYPD and other law enforcement agencies to try to stop it. I don't want to give too much away in my review but I assure you that you will not be wasting your time if you read this book. It is a page turning thriller.
Rating:
Summary: Terrorism hits New York again.
Review: Pete King brings the fear of terrorism right to Nassau County. In his book he describes not only what occured in New York and Washington during September 11th and after but the possibility of future terrorism not just in NYC but the terroists have come out to the Island. A bombing occurs on Long Island and there is a possibility of much larger attack in NYC. While this plot is unfolding the main character Sean Cross is working with the FBI, NYPD and other law enforcement agencies to try to stop it. I don't want to give too much away in my review but I assure you that you will not be wasting your time if you read this book. It is a page turning thriller.
Rating:
Summary: He keeps getting better
Review: Peter King has always had an ability to cross the thin line between fact and fiction with a remarkable ease and facilty, but in Vale of Tears this unique talent is even more compelling and frightening. As a member of Congress and a first rate novelist, Peter King brings reality and understanding to the tragedy of 9/11. You will enjoy this book, but don't start it unless you are prepared to finish it without putting it down -- it's that good.
Rating:
Summary: Tears Not Shed in Vain
Review: Peter King has given us his best novel yet. It's a great read from cover to cover. The dialogue is superb. You can hear the words you read. King has great human instinct; the sort that a good policeman has for the people on his beat. He captures New York's 9-11 mood as no one else could ever hope to do. You put the book down with warm feelings and deep respect for King's alter ego, Congressman Sean Cross. The danger of another terrorist attack is all too real. This book, in addition to being a great read is wake up call to America; 9-11 can happen again.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Support Anti-Muslim Hysteria; Don't Buy This Book
Review: Peter King wants to write a book about 9-11, fine. But by stating that 85% of mosques have leadership that support extremism is patently ridiculous. How the heck does he know? Did he visit every mosque to find out? Of course not, he's using this statistic that he grabbed out of his you-know-what to dishonestly market and hype his book. He's hoping that by picking on a minority group in the US that has no political/economic means to fight back that he can then make a quick buck. It's disgusting and it should disgust every American that an elected government official would attempt to promote his book by fomenting fear and loathing of American Muslims. Shame on you, Congressman King.
Rating:
Summary: A Second Wake Up Call
Review: Peter King's novel Vale of Tears grabs you early, gives you a shake and doesn't let you go. His insights into the events of 9/11 in both DC and New York are powerful, and the heartfelt compassion he has for the victims and their families is evident. The line between fact and fiction is so fine it is obvious that the Congressman is well informed and sending a second wake up call to us all. A suggested read for any American, and a must read for any New Yorker.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible, Worst Book I've read in a long time
Review: Save you money! (especially in this economy). Book is supposed to be in fiction section, however, I think it should be in the Rapid, Right-Wing Republican Fantasy secion. This book is simply a thinly-veiled excuse to insult and incite a group of loyal Americans who happened to be of the Islamic faith. But I guess if you like poorly written and uninteresting policitcal chest-thumping, this book is for YOU!
Rating: 
Summary: Uneeded Profanity!
Review: The chapters were set up in such a way that was sort of confusing (fiction v. nonfiction). The profanity was unecessary and offensive in a book of this subject. Editing could of done a better job.
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