A fictional story about a young Muslim woman facing everyday life and spiritual challenges in her Muslim community in Central Massachusetts. While not...moreA fictional story about a young Muslim woman facing everyday life and spiritual challenges in her Muslim community in Central Massachusetts. While not “great literature,” the book was a very compelling read, and it opened a window for many of the non-Muslims in our group into the ways that Islam infuses everyday life for Muslims. The author traveled from her home in Upstate NY to be with us for the discussion, which added immeasurably to what would have been a lively discussion in any case. Highly recommended, especially if a group avails itself of author’s offer to attend. (less)
Novel about young women in modern Turkey. Not a lot of Muslim content; one sister is a mystic, others are secular and superstitious. Themes include ex...moreNovel about young women in modern Turkey. Not a lot of Muslim content; one sister is a mystic, others are secular and superstitious. Themes include extramarital sex and abortion.(less)
Several women said this was the best book we have read thus far, and at the same time it brought out painful expressions related to race and culture....moreSeveral women said this was the best book we have read thus far, and at the same time it brought out painful expressions related to race and culture. Our book group seemed to feel that this is an informative book that has a healthy sense of resolve at the end. There was an energetic discussion about a woman’s inward and outward relationship with the Hijab (and other forms of head coverings observed by our group members) and also the varying feelings about wearing it among different generations of women within the same family. It was a fascinating glimpse into a different way of life for many of us. We would highly recommend this book. Review by Andover Group.
A novel about a Syrian-American girl growing up in Indiana during the 1970s and 80s, in search of her own way in the world. Excellent book for reading and discussion; gave great insight on being raised a Muslim in America. (Merrimack Valley)(less)
Wolfe’s very descriptive and insightful and personal narrative of the hajj to Mecca. Inspired much good conversation, and even more wonderful stories...moreWolfe’s very descriptive and insightful and personal narrative of the hajj to Mecca. Inspired much good conversation, and even more wonderful stories by one Muslim sister of her own experiences. Everyone felt they learned a lot. Some discussion of pilgrimage in each of our traditions. Highly recommended. No issues of controversy around this book. (Review by Wellesly)(less)
This is a good basic text on Islam, from history to orthodoxy to the variety of sects in the religion of Islam. The Protestants in the group thought t...moreThis is a good basic text on Islam, from history to orthodoxy to the variety of sects in the religion of Islam. The Protestants in the group thought that Esposito’s view of “Christianity” was a view of pre-Vatican II Catholicism. Recommended, although some found No god, but God a better choice. (Review by Metro West)(less)
This is an historical novel about the fall of Granada in 1492 and tells the story of a Muslim family in 1498 who live outside of Granada. The book tal...moreThis is an historical novel about the fall of Granada in 1492 and tells the story of a Muslim family in 1498 who live outside of Granada. The book talks about Christian persecution and the various choices family members make: emigration, resistance and conversion. There was a good discussion about events in the book and some contemporary issues- like Quran burning/desecration and the situation of some European Jews under the Nazi regime. Although the book was sad and disturbing, nothing “controversial” in our discussion.(Review by Merrimack Valley Group)(less)
This book discusses the political history of Islam and how Muslims are shaping its future. It made for a good discussion of how this parallels the Pro...moreThis book discusses the political history of Islam and how Muslims are shaping its future. It made for a good discussion of how this parallels the Protestant Reformation. There were no offensive themes. (Review by Cambridge 1)(less)
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