5 comments about Voices Behind the Veil: The World of Islam Through the Eyes of Women.

1. In editorial review Dr Mac Brunson wrote "More than half a billion women live their entire lives peeking out from behind heavy veils." Is that right? Is not it an astronomical Christian missionary style lie? More than 70% Muslims live in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and India. Do you evangelical Christians know how many of them peek through heavy veils? Let alone wearing veil, many even do not cover their heads. If the sories in this book were indeed told by the evangelical Christian women, then these lies and deceptions make sense. I have no complain. Another slam dunk distortion by the Caner bros.



2. Ergun Caner introduces himself as a convert. He says his father was an Islamic leader and he claims he was a devout Muslim. He says he is from a Muslim family. His father is a Turkish Muslim and his mother is a SWEDISH CHRISTIAN. At the age of 16 , in the midst of his parent's divorce he chose Christianity. I think he did this to take revenge from his father. What he knows about Islam is NOT what learned from his father until the age 16 but rather what he learned from Muslim-Hating Evangelist Christians who think all the Muslims live in tents. Please tell me why he hides his real life but fabricates all these lies. I tell you why: Because Evangelists believe to "save" and "deliver" unbelievers "lying" "cheating" "distorting" is fine and justified. That's exactly what he is doing so is his brother. These two were still kids when they chose Christianity and it was rather an emotional decision not a logical. What I do not like about this guy and his brother is not their decision about their religion but their hiding the truth about their real background and posing as "former" Muslims who knew and who know all about Islam as an insider. They were kids who wanted to take revenge from their father for the divorce and they did.



3. This book was easy to read and very informative. Particularly useful for women who are in a position to reach out to Muslim women and assist them find relief from the tragic ordeal they face under the oppresion of Islam. Muslim culture clearly prohibit any non muslim man from approaching muslim women , so it befalls on non-muslim women to make the approach. Very good book and highly recommended for those who would like to help out those unfortunate veiled muslim women find their way to freedom.



4. I am glad someone has finaly written a book that exposes how islam rapes and degrades women. Islamic law says that if a woman refuses to have sex with a man that he is ALLOWED TO BEAT HER!! This book is excellent in pointing out how islam puts women on the level of animals and cattle. I hope we all wake up and see what kind of evil cult is spreading in our country. Will it take another Waco to wake us up?



5. The case stories are really interesting, but none of the Christian women telling the stories in this anthology knows enough about their own faith to make the book really captivating. It is not enough to say things like "Jesus loves me and He wants to love you too!" This does not work in the real world, and is probably also why Moslems in general have a hard time taking the popularized and Westernized version of Christianity seriously. To argue against Islam from an emotionalistic point of view and to do the "Jesus loves you" chant is to portray Christianity in a distorted way. And it is not convincing to portray God as a spiritual huggie-bear. On the contrary, Christianity is reality, it is the Truth - a Person. We need comparative publications done by people who not only care for mission - which is something this book does emphasise - but who also know Christian Theology, and is able to investigate the issues of Islam a little deeper than this book does.

5 comments about The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future.

1. This is an excellent book which describes the fundamental
   differences between the Shia and Sunnis. Antagonisms
   existed between Shia and the Sunnis for over 1400 years.
   The Sunni Islam had a Golden Age. Under the Umayyads,
   the caliphs were both Caesar and a Pope delegating
   authority to professional religious scholars.
   
   Foes of Umayyads identify Ali (the Prophet's cousin)
   as the Prophet's successor. The Sunnis believe that
   the successor of the Prophet is the only leader of the
   Islamic Community and not a deity or a prophetic calling.
   
   Between 632 and 661, 4 caliphs ruled. They were Abu Bakr,
   Uthman Ali, Uman and Rashidun. The Sunnis believe
   "Better a 60 year tyranny than a single day of civil strife".
   
   Shia imams are closer to the Iranians. They believe in
   spreading cultural diversity and they've gained a foothold
   in Iran, North Africa and Syria. Shia did well in Iraq
   electing the first Shia state. The real power brokers
   migrated to Iran which is now the largest Shia country.
   
   There is a modern secular trend in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq
   and Pakistan. Shia have migrated through Persia,
   the Azeris-Turks and Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea.
   
   The Shia believe that the Prophet had special qualities,
   He was without sin and could divine religious teachings.
   The Sunnis are preoccupied with order in the society
   at large. The Shia want the USA to commit to political
   reform across the region. The USA can assist in this
   process; however, the parties must cooperate fully in order
   to advance the political agenda. The work has considerable
   implications for mutual cooperation between the West and
   Islam.



2. The author presents a very scholarly work on the background of the Sunni/Shia split, Shia history, and the rise of Shia in the Middle East. He argues persuasively that the War in Iraq, among other things, has produced the unintended consequence of strengthening Shia power in the region. This includes Iran, Shia in Iraq, and Shia minorities in countries throughout the region. The author does believe however that the balance of power will eventually settle and a peace will result generally between the Sunni and Shia. This book is very instructive in describing the major leaders and groups involved in this power struggle. It is worthwhile for all who have an interest in the Middle East.



3. Nasr has written a terrific book that describes the long history of the Sunni-Shi'a conflict and how it influences modern Middle Eastern politics. I would recommend it as a primer for anyone who would like to know more about the culture and current events of the Arab world. It's detailed, yet accessible and engrossing.
   
   The book begins with description of the Ashoura festivals and the Sunni revulsion to what they consider to be idolatry. It then describes the great split among the backers of various Caliphs which eventually became the modern Sunni/Shi'a conflict, the history of how both sides became entrenched and what continued to fuel the discord between them. From there, Nasr describes how the religious and social luminaries of the Arab world saw their positions as pawns of the superpowers and how this shaped the many conflicting views of what the Muslim future should look like and how to get there. Finally, the author takes us through Iraq and Iran of today to show why the war in Iraq is so intense and shows little sign of slowing down (it's all about who holds what resources) and how and why Iran is using the war to its advantage.
   
   I would like to give this book 4 and a half stars, but I can't give half stars. The only little fault of this great book is a slight tinge of sympathy toward the Shi'a. In a purely analytical and historical work, it doesn't seem fitting to show even the slightest tinge of sympathy or empathy toward the subject of your study. However, this is a very slight point and it doesn't compromise Nasr's command of the facts in any way, shape or form.



4. This is an excellent book that gives insight ino the Shia branch of Islam. The Shias are the majority rule in Iraq and are the Muslim church in all of Iran. This book gives you an excellent understanding of the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Iran, of the conflict between the minority Sunni and majority Shia. It helps you understand where and why they are coming from and what to expect from them. It gives and excellent history of Islam and well as encapsulizes what it happening today. It is easy to read and gives you great insight into understanding the current conflicts there, including Saudi Arabia's role in controlling the Sunnis. It opens your eyes to understand what is really happening versus the propraganda we are fed in the U.S. by our government and lobbyists. You become wiser in understanding the many layers of deceit and lies thrown to the uneducated American public. I highly recommend this book if you truly wants some understanding about the conflict with Iraq and Iran.



5. A good book for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of the conflict between Shia and Sunni Islam-

5 comments about Understanding the Koran: A Quick Christian Guide to the Muslim Holy Book.

1. I have alot of confidence in this interpretation since part of the author's family is Muslim and he himself is a christian minister.



2. This book is not a translation of the Koran. It is about the origin of the Koran and the past and current influence on the natives of the near east, with a similar discourse on, and in comparison with, the Christian Bible in comparison. Though biblical pertinent, it is really a long sermon by a Christian minister, with the application an urging to persist in trying to convert these people to Christianity. It is a good sermon, appropriate for a seminary, but neither dispassionate nor apologetic of the Koran.



3. So many books of this type are loaded with attitude, but Elass manages to maintain a kind spirit as he tackles tough topics. The book isn't really "quick," but he is concise and does a great job.



4. I just finished reading "Understanding the Koran." I read it straight through in about 5 hours. It's well written and thought provoking. Elass describes Islamic views of the Koran, Muhammad's life, the textual history of the Koran, Jesus and other biblical figures in the Koran, Jihad and Heaven and Hell. Throughout he compares them with his understanding of the biblical perspective on these topics (where applicable). His sociological comments on Islam are particularly timely and insightful and his answer to the Question "Do Muslims worship a false god?" is well thought-out. His discussion of the reverence for the physical Koran brought to mind the incident at Guantanamo Bay and helped me understand the reaction from the Islamic community.
   
   This book is certainly not written from a neutral viewpoint. However, for Christians, this is an interesting, valuable book. The apologetic strategies Elass suggests will surely be helpful. But I think this book is worth reading at least as much for its description of Christian theology (when used to compare and contrast Islamic theology), which is extremely well done and would be worth reading in and of itself.



5. This book is very easy to read and understand. It is written by a Christian Pastor who was raised in Saudi Arabia in a Muslim environment, giving him a depth of understanding of both Christianity and Islam. I have learned more from this book than from years of asking questions. This is definitely a great and informative read for any Christian wanting to understand the Koran.

1 comments about Heroes of the Age: Moral Fault Lines on the Afghan Frontier (Comparative Studies on Muslim Societies ; 21).

1. This beautifully written book covers three heroes from the period before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The author uses these heroes to explore the cultural roots of the violence and turbulence in Afghanistan today.

   Though the book was written before the September 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S., it sheds light on the culture of Afghanistan and gave me lots of ideas about why the Taliban continues to shelter Osama bin Laden. Also, the "moral incoherence" that the author finds in Afghanistan is important--U.S. aid and withdrawal are important aspects of why Afghanistan is in the state it is in now, but by no means the only source.

1 comments about Jews, Christians, Muslims: A Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions.

1. A tour de force. Corrigan manages to provide literary, historical, mythological themes and contexts that illuminate current practice and belief.I found the details of this book enlarged my understanding of why and how these religions have many common strains and where they depart from one another.It also explains how the traditions of each,along with the practice,ethics and politics keep each vital enough in different countries and changing times to keep them going. A very weighty and multidimensional subject written with much grace. It's not only excellent as a reference book, it also holds up as a fascinating read.

5 comments about The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and That Veil Thing.

1. This book is a wonderful introduction to Islam for those who are interested in cutting through the media confusion & myriad misconceptions. Its conversational tone keeps your interest while the clever chapter headings whet your appetite for more.
   
   The age-old struggle to define a religion free from cultural baggage is handled adroitly thru the author's narration of personal anecdotes - they illustrate instances of misunderstandings/stereotyping which are quickly cleared up thru dialogue & education. Thanks for writing such an accessible, readable book!
   
   As the co-author of The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook, it's refreshing to see such literature from Muslims - let the dialogue continue!



2. This book tells what Muslims really believe, not the horrible distortions, misrepresentations, and half-truths that constitute the conventional wisdom here in the U.S. Unlike the typical treatise on religion, The Muslim Next Door is clearly written, easy to read, and graced with humor. Of course it should be required reading immediately for everyone interested in comparative religion, in Islam, its history, and in what is true and what is pure cultural hype about Islam in the world political scene. And, in this election year, every voter should read it just to understand how ridiculous are the current political rumors. Overall, a truly outstanding effort!



3. The presentation of Islam weaved with personal stories about the author made this book enjoyable to read, while still providing a vast amount of information about what Islam truly is. This book makes clear that Islam, like many other faiths, is a religion of tolerance, equality, and forgiveness, not of war and terrorism as it has been portrayed in the media. Everyone paying attention to media coverage of current events should take the time to read this book to get the real story of this religion.



4. Sumbul Ali-Karamali's book answers for me so many questions that I have about Islam. She does a wonderful job of separating the actual words of the Qur'an from their 7th century interpretations from local cultural practices in all of the areas where the media gets it wrong - veiling, feminism, jihad. If every journalist and person in the federal government would read this, it would instantly improve our relations with a billion people around the world.
   
   I appreciate how she puts the words of the Qur'an in their historical context, showing that the Prophet was called by God to improve the lot of women, children and slaves, not call for their subjugation or oppression. Like almost all modern Christians, she believes that her faith's holy book can and should be interpreted today in light of current realities (we have governments with police powers that work and don't need to do tribal raiding, for example). No doubt plenty of culturally conservative Muslims would disapprove of some of her interpretations, but she makes it very clear that the majority of Muslims, who want to actively live their faith in the world as it is today and not return to the 7th century, are commanded by their faith to be tolerant and peaceful, not hateful and violent.
   
   The book isn't apologetic or defensive. It is enlightening, entertaining, intelligently reasoned and easy to read, with plenty of advice for those interested in further study.



5. This study is the most recent in a line of good books focussing on a range of issues confronting Muslims living in America. Not only does it provide an outline of the Islamic faith, but handles several major topics like Jihad, divorce and inheritance in a very scholarly manner. Sumbul Ali-Karamali has clearly mastered Islamic law and her analysis is comprehensive and penetrating. Her writing style is conversational & refreshing and the end-result is a book that ranks as a "must read" for both Muslims and non-Muslims seeking to gain a better understanding of Islam. An objective reader will have no problems concurring with her conclusion that we are confronted not with a "clash of civilizations" but a "clash of ignorances".

5 comments about Children of Jihad: A Young American's Travels Among the Youth of the Middle East.

1. This brilliant author deserves our admiration for not just writing an extremely compelling book, but for having the courage to seek out the experiences that very few have dared to search for. I am extremely disapointed and critical of anyone who tries to detract from the significant accomplishment that this book represents, and I cannot wait to see how Jared Cohen, possibly the greatest foreign policy mind of my generation, changes the world for the better.



2. In "Children of Jihad," Cohen weaves together an honest and insightful thread of stories about his travels and life in the Middle East. But unlike many experts on the Middle East who have come before, who tend to focus on the charismatic and/or infamous leaders typically associated with the governments of the Middle East, Cohen looks to the future, to the demographic bulge of young people who will both inheret and dominate the political and cultural landscape in the Middle East.
   
   He makes compelling arguments, through anecdotes and recollections of his travels throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, etc, that these young people are precisely the hearts and minds we need to be winning. The true value of his approach lies in the fact that he doesn't view his encounters through the lens of a foreign policy expert but rather as a peer, as someone who is genuinely looking for answers, and as someone who will listen to the stories that are so often left unheard and reflect on the implications for the America, the West and the World.
   
   It's refreshing to hear an informed perspective on how the West and the Middle East can and will co-exist, despite the many perceived differences. "Children of Jihad" is a must-read for anyone who wants to attain or update an informed opinion on the current and historical issues facing this important region.



3. author cohen's courage to research and write this book is to be commended. the info he shares with us is invaluable to our understanding and compassion for the youth of the middle east. with this knowledge and our acceptance we have the chance to lend our hand to a peaceful and fruitful resolution for one of the world's most dire situations. certainly this endeavor will take much time and perseverance, but cohen's book establishes the hope and direction for such a future. i would like all my friends and acquaintances to read CHILDREN OF JIHAD to realize we are more alike than different and appreciate the fact that it is opportunity or the lack of that determines our outcome, as cohen so succinctly illustrates. if we look to our youth, we do have a future.



4. This book is an inspiring tale of a very brave young Jewish man traveling through out very hostile lands. I found it to be a very interesting read and I appreciated the historical background given as the author travels to each country. We do need a reminder that not every person living in those countries agrees with their countries policies. There is a hope that the youth of those countries will make changes. We must be very aware of the struggles they go through and how we can help them.



5. Mr. Cohen was obviously young and naive when he wrote the book. It offers only a view of youth from a first time and young visitor, based on random encounters. It is not for the reader who wants new insight into the Middle East. And it most certainly is not a look at the youth who will be willing to wage jihad, or who are being effected by the jihadist movement.

5 comments about Blink of an Eye.

1. This is a very good and fast read, leaving you with knowledge of people outside our grand USA beliefs and understanding. I loved it! It's educational as well as entertaining. Read it!



2. There were some parts where I couldn't wait to turn the page, but others where I wasn't so impressed. My trouble was the logic of the whole thing, which I can't really go into without spoiling things for those who haven't read it. Let's just say that if I encountered the main character in real life and he presented his "argument" to me, I would have several logical reasons why his conclusion was not valid, and my IQ is no where near where his is supposed to be. His argument wouldn't hold water with even the most inept apologetic students.
   
   This wasn't necessarily the action part of the plot, but the Christian part (oh, the church scene was 1. not necessary and 2. unreal...1000 people in that church and nobody could refute that argument? Come on!). And I guess that is what I found hard to believe. Although, I had a little difficulty believing in Miriam's transformation as well.
   
   I'm glad I read it, but would I recommend it to others? Probably not.



3. Great book, but I recommend the original. In this version, he softened his approach toward Muslims and their religions, referred to their god as "God", instead of Allah, and the Christian God and Muslim god were too blurred for me at times, like he was trying to say we worship the same one. I know there are some Muslims that probably don't hate us, but Dekker tries to make it like there are just a few that hate us, and I think he is wrong. Muslims are our greatest threat in this day, and although I am a huge Dekker fan, I don't appreciate his trying to paint them in such a positive light. The original did not do that. (and yes, we DO need to love our enemies, but he just carried it a bit too far)



4. Several years ago, bestselling author Ted Dekker published his fictional adventure-love story BLINK, which is now being re-released under a revised title, BLINK OF AN EYE: Love Changes Everything. With new added content, Dekker tells readers in a question/answer section at the close of the text how and why this expanded version is different from the original. The reason? In a word, movie.
   
   BLINK OF AN EYE is being made into a major motion picture (which is set to release in 2008), and Dekker says that the theme of love has stayed primary in both the book and the on-screen version. He believes that with the current climate of distrust between Americans in general, even amongst American Christians, and those living in the Middle East, this overlying theme of love extending across a variety of spectrums is more important now than ever before. Avid fans of Dekker's will appreciate his candor and personal take on the rigorous process of transforming the written word into a likewise equally compelling big-screen hit.
   
   The new book opens with Miriam, a Saudi princess, who helps prepare her best friend Sita for her arranged marriage. What should have been a glorious day of celebration abruptly turns deadly, and Miriam begins questioning the religious system she has been reared to conform to and believe in, and the culture to which she was previously loyal. Without missing a beat, Dekker quickly puts Miriam through the paces of making life and death decisions as she tries to escape a fate similar to her friend Sita's. Thankfully, for this fictional princess, she has both money and a plan in place.
   
   Enter beyond-genius college student Seth Border, a once-abused child whose mental abilities and penchant for bucking authority get him into hot water with the powers that be. Seth's path quickly intersects with Miriam's at the U.S. college where she flees for help, and Seth becomes Miriam's protector and fellow renegade from both U.S. and Saudi officials. What gives the couple an edge is Seth's increasing ability to foretell potential future events. He sees multiple possible scenarios in advance, and as they traverse the country trying to avoid assassins, the king's hired guns and the American government, Seth and Miriam forge a bond of trust and love. But what kind of love? Brotherly love or romantic attraction?
   
   Before the last page is turned, readers might well wonder how anyone, even a person with Seth's intellect, will figure out a way to garner freedom for Miriam when two governments are bent on realizing their own self-serving ends.
   
   Dekker writes a fast-paced story that will have readers pausing only in those brief spaces where Miriam and Seth have a few moments to reconsider their own strongly-held convictions about God, faith, men and women's roles, as well as their black and white cultural conflicts. Like all of Dekker's books, humor is a welcome and expected ingredient that helps balance out the weightier matters the author poses. This newly-revised text lives up to his usual standard of thrilling-seeking thoughtful fare.
   
   --- Reviewed by Michele Howe



5. Blink is a Christian suspense novel by popular Christian author Ted Dekker. It's the third book I've read by this author, and by far the best, both for the sheer excitement of the novel for the spiritual issues it addresses. The novel opens with Miriam, a young Muslim girl living in Saudi Arabia. She is at her friend's wedding and we quickly learn about marriage in Saudi Arabia. The women have no choice in husbands, and the women are treated as property. Miriam's young friend is terrified.
   
   The plot switches to America and Seth Border, a student at Berkely. Seth is a "super genius." He has an IQ of 196 and is being coveted by all the top corporations and US intelligence agencies. Seth also experiences twice in the span of a few hours the ability to see the future. He sees a bird hitting a wall and a girl tripping a few seconds before they actually happen.
   
   Back in Saudi Arabia, Miriam learns she has been pledged to marry Omar, a vile older man. This marriage will unite the bloodlines of a shiek and the royal family, and will be followed by a coup on the current Saudi King. To get away from the marriage, Miriam flees to America, where she studied abroad for a few months. Representatives from Saudi Arabia representing several parties chase after her. Miriam meets up with a professor she knew and the professor betrays her. Before the Saudis can take Miriam, Seth comes to her rescue. They'd both been at an awards dinner, and Seth saw a future in which a young girl was threatened at gunpoint.
   
   Now, Seth and Mirian are on the run. I'll stop with the synopsis now. Blink is a great book filled with Seth and Miriam fleeing the authorities both in the US and Saudi Arabia. Along the way, they have great conversations about Islam and Christianity.
   
   I'm rating this book so high for two reasons. First, the plot. For me, the book was a great educational tool on what life is like in Saudi Arabia and why the US can do little about it. Women are definitely oppressed in that country, yet it is one of the most progressive in the region. If the subject sounds boring to you, forget it. I believe you'll be intrigued from the first chapter.
   
   The second reason is because of the spiritual aspects of the novel. Seth looks at the world around him and in his logical mind concludes that only a God could create such a world. Through mathematics, he has proven that there is only one future, and no matter what people do, God will always know what their ultimate choices will be. When Seth begins to see the future, he sees multiple futures, each depending on the choices people make now. This means the future isn't set and people do have free will. Dekker thus addressed free will in this matter and even attempts to address how we can have free will and God can know the ultimate future at the same time. Seth's ability to see the future comes into play when Seth prays and then sees the future change. A main theme of the book is prayer, and how prayer can definitely change the future. At one point, Dekker writes prayer is the most powerful weapon a Christian has.
   
   Besides being exciting and thrilling, this book has given me a lot to think about in my spiritual life regarding free will and the power of prayer.

5 comments about Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors.

1. This book is nicely written - compelling enough to keep one turning the pages. If one reads it as a work of historical fiction, the this book is quite enjoyable.
   
   I'm no historian (that's why I purchased the book, after all), but I immediately sensed the author's factual transgressions and wayward perspectives. One need not be an historian, however, to note the one-sidedness here. I couldn't think of a concise way to sum up these shortcomings; and then I read the previous reviews: Journalist.
   
   So what we have here is not a thoroughly researched, thought out, analytical account of an historical event. Then again, should one expect such writing from a journalist? William Shirer (Rise & Fall of the 3rd Reich)set the bar pretty high. He did have an advantage - having lived through the historical event in his book. So, I'm willing to cut Reston some slack. But without setting the bar as high as Shirer, Reston still falls far short of my humble standard for history books.
   
   Would recommend the book. But don't go around quoting it among history scholars - unless, that is, you want to be confused by the facts.



2. A smoothly written summary focusing on events in late 15th century Catholic Spain, but touching also on political intrigue in Portugal, the Vatican, among the defeated Moors, and elsewhere. The Inquisition, the expulsion of the Jews, and Columbus' at times clumsy efforts to win support for his initial voyage West are covered in some detail. This book is not intended for the historically learned or professional scholar. Rather, it is an agreeable tour through a fascinating and significant era in European history. I recommend it to lay readers who enjoy history while also taking pleasure in a well told story.



3. This book offers a unique look at what lead up to the year 1492, according to the author, and in my opinion too one of the most important years in our history. The unique part is because the author looks at this history more through the eyes of the Muslims, who civalization before 1492 was an amazing and advanced civalization, really the golden age of Islam civilization. I do think though that the author spend too much time being pro-islam and forgets about the Christian side as well, it would have been nice to see both sides of the conflict. I like how the author compares the downfall of the moorish civilization, and the reconquista. I would also have liked if the author spent more time actually talking about the year 1492, and less about what lead up to it. Over all a very well written book.



4. I picked up this book to learn more about the Inquisition because lately the concept of religious persecution in Europe has been on my mind. The book had a broader scope which was partially satisfying.
   
   The author's apparent thesis is to show the inter-play between the simultaneous events of the
   Inquisition, the defeat of the Moors and the voyage of Columbus. I believe the author succeed in showing the relation between the Inquisition and the war. But not the interplay with Columbus's voyage.
   
   While the Inquisition had a life of its own fueled by the radical piety of Isabella it was also used to fund the war through confiscation of property from wealthy Jewish converts to Christianity followed closely by confiscations from all Jews. The author made this point nicely.
   
   However, the relationship of Columbus's voyage to either the war or the inquisition was not as clear. Yes, the voyage was also supported by the religious zeal of Isabella and the voyage was postponed until the war was over but no other significant interplay between the events was explored.
   
   The format is a light narrative style built around the lives of the principal players. I generally enjoy this format but with three simultaneous plots and so many players I found it a bit hard to get into the flow of the characters and the book until the final third.
   
   I did not learn as much about the actual Inquisition as I had hoped. But understanding how Ferdinand used the Inquisition and religious persecution of Jews to balance his war budget was invaluable.
   
   For this alone I would recommend the book.



5. The skill of this author as a storyteller is unparalleled, its like watching a movie not reading a book. As for the critics claiming the lack of referencing, yes, you might be correct, but I double-checked several doubtful historic facts and they are all accurate.
   
   Hatem A Tawfik, MD
   Cairo Egypt

5 comments about Price of Honor: Muslim Women Lift the Veil of Silence on the Islamic World, Newly updated.

1. I appreciate Ms. Goodwin's meticulous research, risking her own safety in order to present a picture of what is really going on in these countries, and it does help explain the alarming growth of Islamic extremism.
   This book opens a window onto lives that people in the United States have always wondered about. Ms. Goodwin did an excellent job of interviewing men and women from all facets of society; poor, middle-class, and wealthy. It was a fascinating and informative read, and an essential book if one wishes to understand the daily life of women surviving under the iron fist of Islamic extremism.



2. Difficult reading, but definitely worth the effort. A great deal of info about the subject on virtually every Middle Eastern country. Every woman in this country should know what is happening to women elsewhere.



3. In 1989 I lived in Cairo, Egypt for several months. Being female I experienced (and witnessed) a good deal of the typical misogynistic behavior one would expect from a Muslim male. I could never understand how the Islamic communities I visited could be so mistrustful and even outwardly angry with women just for the sake of being women. I have been fascinated with learning more every since.
   
   Goodwin writes very interesting and detailed accounts of various Muslim women in ten different locations throughout the Middle East. One thing in common with all women is the cruel,oppressive and immoral treatment by men in general but more specifically her own family be it father, brother or husband. Women in these countries have no rights and assume a subserviant, second class role upon birth. Lack of knowledge, lack of support and fear of punishment keep these women from seeking help or challenging authority. Goodwin also discusses the shocking phenomenon of honor killing that while not versed in the Holy Koran it is exclusively Islamic and is both endorsed and encouraged by Imams, clerics etc..as the only way to restore honor to a family.
   
   I didn't give Goodwin a 4 or 5 star review because I believe that Goodwin (like most journalists/media) has whitewashed, for the sake of political correctness, the true history of Islam and the role women play. So much of what we hear or read on the news has been manipulated because the western world has allowed itself to become handicapped by political correctness.
   While it is true that the Prophet Mohammed was loving and monogamous to his first wife Khadija (an independant and wealthy woman in her own right) we know that changed after her death. Through Mohammed, Allah advised Muslims to marry no more than 4 women and to care for each equally. However Mohammed said Allah's rule didn't apply to him and with at least 11 wives and numerous concubines(sex slaves) Mohammed doesn't really win any sensitivity votes! The most famous wife was Aisha who was 6 yrs old when the marriage contract was made (she was 9 yrs old when consummated)She was also known as the favorite wife. She herself said Mohammed struck her and once proclaimed "I have not seen any woman suffering as much as the believing woman." This should say volumes about the treatment of woman during Mohammeds life. Islamic history shows that the more adherents to Islam Mohammed acquired and the more powerful and feared he became as a political leader the more the revelations began to change. Allah began advising Mohammed to be more restrictive with his people and less tolerant to unbelievers. These new revelations were to cancel out the existing peaceful ones through the process of abrogation.
   
   In the begining, Mohammed did have some compassion, for example he banned the killing of female infants. Yet there were also many precedents Mohammed set regarding women such as: Men are protectors and maintainers of women; women must be devoutly obedient, if not then beat them...4:34; Women witness is half of men...2:282; Majority of women are in hell...( Shahih Bukhari 1.6.301); Menstruation is a disease...2:222; Women, house and horses are evil omens..( Shahih Bukhari;7.62.30); Sex with captive women and slave women is permitted-23:1-6; Allah gets displeased with the woman who does not respond when her husband demands sex from her-(Shahih Muslim 8.3367) These are just a few.
   
   We must remember the Prophet is believed to have been a perfect man who led a perfect life and therefore an example that all Muslims must follow.
   
   A good portion of this book was written in the mid nineties and updated after the events of 9/11. Since that time NO progress has been made in the advancement of equal rights for women despite all the apologists assertions that Islam is peaceful and equal regarding women. This makes any talks of reform by so called "moderate" Muslims disingenuous as well.



4. I highly recommend this book. Jan Goodwin
   provides in an engaging, superbly reported look
   at the present-day treatment of women in
   countries still bound by the strictures of
   medieval Islamic law. Though the book was written
   in 1995, and updated after 9/11, its relevance
   has never been greater than it is today as we
   struggle to understand the increasingly dangerous
   world we live in. Above all, "Price of Honor"
   gave me renewed appreciation for the Western
   world I live in and the freedoms that we - men
   and women alike - so easily take for granted.
   This book is a must read!



5. Muslim women pay a high price for their (and their male family members') honor. This book details the trials and tribulations of women in the Muslim world.
   
   The prejudice, discrimination and crimes it describes can all be found here in the west. I suggest that the problem is patriarchy, not Islam. Focusing on a particular religion lets all the rest of us off the hook.
   
   This book is helpful if it makes me think about how often I have discriminated against women and how I justify my actions; and less helpful if I continue to see the problem as being somebody else's problem somewhere else.