I can't say enough about how highly informative this book was for me. In a little over 100 pages, I was able to grasp the roots of fundamentalist IslaI can't say enough about how highly informative this book was for me. In a little over 100 pages, I was able to grasp the roots of fundamentalist Islam. The author, Janet Tavakoli shares her personal story of living in Iran in a most dangerous time. How she escaped with a suitcase and $1000 and is grateful for it. Her book starts in the mid-70's in Iran. While I try to follow what's going on with the rise in Islamic extremism, I often feel overwhelmed. There are so many groups intent on "death to America," as well as killings between themselves. Well, there are 41 Islamic terrorist organizations in 24 countries! This book focuses on the beginnings of fundamentalism. From the Shah to Khomeini. From Sunni to Shia. Tavakoli explains just what took place. Why we are where we are now.
For me, one of the most important questions was how Iran reverted so quickly from an emerging modern society to that of the dark ages. The answer is Iran didn't put up a fight. It was inconceivable to imagine the horrors that were to follow. This sounds all too familiar to me. I sit back thinking, this could never happen to me, or to my country. I believe Tavakoli's quote "I am convinced that the worst thing that can happen to any country is to allow Islamic fundamentalists to have a say in government," is crucial. Both president Bush and Obama say Islam is peace, there is no Islamic State. Yet, the evidence is all around us. I certainly don't know what the answers are, but I do think it is time to open our eyes.
Honestly, this book is an important read. One that has given me a real foundation in my understanding of Islam. I highly recommend it!...more
Best to start with "Infidel" as Ali's backstory is incredible, and solidifies her quest for reformation. The subject of Islam is one I thought I knew Best to start with "Infidel" as Ali's backstory is incredible, and solidifies her quest for reformation. The subject of Islam is one I thought I knew at least a little about. Now I feel I have the whole picture. I can't say enough good things about this book, and highly recommend! Full review to follow....more
This book opened my eyes to the Muslim world and completely changed my views. It is remarkable what one woman can do to affect change. I cannot recommThis book opened my eyes to the Muslim world and completely changed my views. It is remarkable what one woman can do to affect change. I cannot recommend highly enough, especially for women....more
I decided to give this book a try based on an enthusiastic review portraying it as life in the times of Jesus, and how he changed the course of historI decided to give this book a try based on an enthusiastic review portraying it as life in the times of Jesus, and how he changed the course of history. I'm not a religious person, but thought the historical aspect, and early depictions of Jesus intriguing. Needless to say, this is not a genre I've read before.
The book focused on two slaves escaping their awful master. One a Jew named Elazar, the other a Gentile named Demetrios. Demetrios becomes the main character, and the book is told through his point of view. While I felt this book did a great job depicting life in those times, I often felt bored. Maybe this is because I was raised with too many bible stories. It took awhile to get to where Jesus is first spoken of. When word reaches our character Elazar however, he is taken with the idea that the prophet of his people has finally arrived. This changes everything between Elazar and Demetrios. Demetrios feels abandoned as Elazar must follow his faith and go to Jesus, leaving everything behind.
While there were glimpses of Jesus, he is never a main character. This was disappointing to me as I was hoping for a real look inside the man. This was not the books intent however, it's view was focused on the portrayal and interpretation of life in the first century. I do believe the author did a great job in this, and thought using a Gentile's perspective very interesting. The plot was engaging, and anyone attracted to this time and place would probably enjoy the book more than I....more
When I received this book I wondered why I had entered a giveaway about a father and daughter relationship, as mWon through GR first-reads, thank you.
When I received this book I wondered why I had entered a giveaway about a father and daughter relationship, as my own is so lacking. Then I realized the authors daughter has Down Syndrome. I have met many folks with this syndrome, and found them to be the most loving, joyous, and live-in-the-moment people around.
It is a shame that I found a memoir such as this lacking in depth and heart-felt connection. The author, Paul Daugherty, is a sports columnist. In this memoir, he clearly states that his marriage is the perfect mix, he likes to work, his wife, to nurture. In fact, he didn't bother to show for his first child's birth, he was busy working at a sporting event. While much is spoken of God, and how God has given them their life's work, I felt an "oh brother" escape my lips.
This book chronicles the life of their second child, Jillian, born with Down Syndrome. Daugherty describes the physical and emotional struggles of his daughter, the pain of "fitting in," and the cruelty of others. He also rejoices in Jillian's triumphs, her many achievements, graduating from high school, and finding a love of her own.
The writing is somewhat pedestrian, but I can see this being an enjoyable book for mainstream readers. In fact, I plan to give this to my conservative mother, who I imagine liking it very much....more
This is a great book for christians seeking the truth of God's will. Mark Achtemeiet is an esteemed conservative scholar and theolThank you NetGalley!
This is a great book for christians seeking the truth of God's will. Mark Achtemeiet is an esteemed conservative scholar and theologian. In the early 1990's he was a church activist defending the "traditional" teaching condemning homosexual practices. In 1996 he had a change of heart due to a thorough research of the Bible.
Each chapter explores a certain topic and concludes with a summary. The "fragment method" of Bible interpretation is one such topic. This "method" is still used today, and neo-Nazis use it to justify white supremacy. The fact that neo-Natzi's were using it helped Achtemeier understand that even though teachings have Bible verses to back them up, they are far removed from God's will. By delving into each verse used in this way to condemn homosexuals, we get a clearer idea of the historical times in which they were written, and the actual meanings of such passages.
I have a lot of respect for a Fundamentalist willing to have a deeper understanding, and each chapter delves into mistaken interpretations in such a way that it is easy to understand. The final quarter of this book also offers more of a summary, which I felt was a little redundant, but all in all a great book for Christians struggling with this issue....more
I had no idea what to expect of this book, but it is hilarious! I had been needing a break from some heavier reading, and this was just the ticket. I I had no idea what to expect of this book, but it is hilarious! I had been needing a break from some heavier reading, and this was just the ticket. I would love to hear the audio version as this author is a true comedian.
Her story tells of the ending of her fifteen year marriage to a guy named Bob, who her husband met on gay.com. She takes refuse in in going home to her family who are Mennonites. Somewhere around half way through this memoir takes a turn, and while still being humorous, a lot of life's true meaning tumbled forth. In realizing she is co-dependent, she makes her own 12 steps, which had me laughing out loud. She talks about understanding our humanness, and those around us, forgiveness, and looking at one's own side of the street. While others hold on to their pain or victimization, not Janzen. She is able to move forward with her life.
While the Mennonite faith was not discussed seriously throughout the book, the endnotes have a very informative account of their history and beliefs. A quick side note...pay attention to the characters names. At first they breezed right past me, then I realized how entertaining they were in there own right. This is a quick funny read that is bound to lift your spirits!...more
This book relates religion to a virus. The author is very through in his analysis of all religions and how they have played a negative role throughoutThis book relates religion to a virus. The author is very through in his analysis of all religions and how they have played a negative role throughout history. I wanted to read this to get some insight into my fundamentalist family. I now have a deeper understanding as to how intrenched religious beliefs are, how they are promoted, and a history of religion itself. While this book may not be for everyone, it certainly is an eye-opener. ...more
Debbie "DJ"
>
Books:
religious
(11)
