I originally checked this book out so I could suggest it to my book group. We didn't pick it, but I decided to read it on my own. It is an excellent overview of what is going on with women, politics and religion in the Middle East at this point in time.

This book showed me gaps in my education about so many things. I don't have a firm grasp on the history of the area, on the Islamic religion or even what women go through in that part of the world. There is so much to know in the world and none of us can even know a small percentage.

Coleman helped me with some of my ignorance. This book helped me have some idea about what women in the Middle East have faced and what is ahead for them. She also helped me see why politics and religion conflict so much in that part of the world.

I am grateful to an excellent writer, Isobel Coleman. I think anyone with an interest in the Middle East and all that is going on there should read this book.