This collection offers an invaluable contribution to the debates about gays and lesbians serving in the military. For anyone interested in thinking through the issues rigorously, this book is a "must read."

A compelling reading of an important, and increasingly timely, topic -- impressively well-researched and clearly written.

How incredible to have an intellectual discussion of such a politically charged topic. This work skillfully dissects multiple viewpoints of the ongoing policy debate that have prevented gays from serving in the military. In contrast to the superficial discussion of this topic in the news media, Belkin and Bateman present a thoughtful and reflective commentary on all aspects of this complex debate. "Don't ask, Don't tell" is truly an impressive and stimulating book.

I'd never heard of this book or this writer when I picked up Moth Smoke. Being from Pakistan myself, I was somewhat apprehensive...the gushing praise on the back jacket seemed a little TOO gushing, the context of this book seemed too easily marketable in a decade which has seen a feeding frenzy upon asian and asian american writers by critics and publishing houses alike. Imagine my surprise. I couldn't have had less to worry about. This is a truly compelling novel. In a time when words like "post-colonial" are tossed around like garbage, let me say that this work stands up and holds its own. As a document testifying to the various minutiae of Pakistani society and as a study in some very economical prose, with a crew of characters as remarkable as any you've ever read about, and as a novel that manages to engage the reader with disturbing yet very real questions, Moth Smoke is a success. Don't bother to compare this work in any way to other novels based around the same geographical region of the world -- your comparisons are pointless. This work offers a stimulating mix of fast, heady, prose that manages to linger -- somewhat like smoke itself. Mohsin Hamid has Arrived and I for one salute him.

This book has it all as Mohsin Hamid tackles an original plot set in modern-day Pakistan. Daru Shezad is the protagonist --- he was raised alongside his best friend Oz, but recognizes that he is not nor has he ever been the equal to his rich and privileged friend, who studies abroad in New York, where he meets his wife Mumtaz, and they return to Lahore a few years later, child in tow, to rejoin the upper class. Daru is barely on the outskirts of this class, and is only included via Oz's invitation. He readily accepts, although he deeply resents the privileged with whom he hobnobs.

Daru loses his job at the bank, and proceeds to hide this fact from his extended family. Over 30, single and proceeding to poverty at breakneck speed, he starts an affair with Mumtaz, gets hooked on and deals some drugs, and witnesses Oz commit a hit-and-run involving a child from the poor class.

Interspersed throughout the narrative are scenes of a courtroom where apparently, all the main characters testify, although who is on trial becomes apparent only as you read through the book. Even then, there is no predicting what the outcome will be until the last word is read.

I never thought of visiting Pakistan but now would love to visit after reading this book. Our book club read this book and while it was in my hands I felt I was living in Pakistan.The author captured me! An interesting look at a disturbing time (Pakistan India Nuclear explosions)and a window into the souls of those who live so differently from us. but I have felt that grappling with unfamiliar ethnic names can take away from one's enjoyment of the story. I was absolutely wrong. I wanted to give this book to everyone I knew so they could share it. I finished it several weeks ago and still find myself wondering what happened to the characters.