Koncocoo

Best Islam

The Autobiography of Malcolm X
•. ONE OF TIME ’S TEN MOST IMPORTANT NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. a brilliant, painful, important book.” — The New York Times “A great book . Its dead level honesty, its passion, its exalted purpose, will make it stand as a monument to the most painful truth.” — The Nation “The most important book I’ll ever read, it changed the way I thought, it changed the way I acted. --Wendy Smith Biography, published in 1965, of the American black militant religious leader and activist who was born Malcolm Little. The Autobiography recounts the life of Malcolm X from his traumatic childhood plagued by racism to his years as a drug dealer and pimp, his conversion to the Black Muslim sect (Nation of Islam) while in prison for burglary, his subsequent years of militant activism, and the turn late in his life to more orthodox Islam.
Reviews
"From Watching his interviews and speeches on YouTube, I was able to match his words from this book to the voice I heard on the videos. A book as told by the Man himself in his own words without any tampering from the writer."
"The black man must be retaught , reeducated, and made to know he is a man like everyone else . Malcolm you were misunderstood , when you were doing was responding to society's treatment ."
"Especially now that we seem to be repeating a lot of the horrible rracist human habits that caused this country to implode during the 50's/60's."
"It takes the readers on a journey on Malcolm X's life, from the beginning until the end."
"About half way through I ran out of steam."
"AS OSSIE DAVIS COINED HIM , WHEN IT WAS ALL SAID & DONE. BROTHER MALCOMLM " WAS OUR SHINNING BLACK PRINCE " WHO DIDN'T HESITATE TO DIE FOR HIS PEOPLE !!!"
"To all muslims (especially muslims living in the west): I strongly recomend the reading of this book; maybe you will find in this martyr the inspiration that you've lacked 'till now to stand and study your faith."
"However, Penguin Modern Classics has reprinted this essential piece of literature anew-WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL EPILOGUE or Ossie Davis' contributions to the work. Anyone who has read the complete Malcolm X Autobiography in depth knows fully well that this is untrue, an absolute falsity and misrepresentation that can lead to dangerous miscalculations."
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No God but One: Allah or Jesus? (with Bonus Content): A Former Muslim Investigates the Evidence for Islam and Christianity
Having shared his journey of faith in the New York Times bestselling Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus , Nabeel Qureshi now examines Islam and Christianity in detail, exploring areas of crucial conflict and unpacking the relevant evidence. In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus , Nabeel Qureshi recounted his dramatic journey, describing his departure from Islam and his decision to follow Christ. Nabeel shares stories from his life and ministry, casts new light on current events, and explores pivotal incidents in the histories of both religions, providing a resource that is gripping and thought-provoking, respectful and challenging. -- Collin Hansen, editorial director, The Gospel Coalition. With clarity and precision, Nabeel takes his reader through the principal competing truth claims of Islam and Christianity, demonstrating through his own personal search how the Christian world view makes a compelling case for our allegiance while that of Islam falls far short.
Reviews
"In NO GOD BUT ONE ALLAH OR JESUS, Dr. Nabeel Qureshi explains his journey from Islam to Christianity, and details his reasons for doing so. The author was for many years a dedicated believer in Islam, but he discovered that his reasons for rejecting Christianity were not nearly as solid as he had been told: "Examining the claims of Islam and Christianity over four years, I went from utter conviction in Islam to reluctantly embracing the gospel." Of course, this sets a major divide between the two religions: "At no point is the schism between Christian and Islamic theologies broader than on the person of Jesus. The author emphasizes that "the central claims of Christianity are explicitly rejected by Islam." It's not just a little difference--it's a "fundamental incompatibility between Islam and Christianity...the central claims of Christianity are explicitly rejected by Islam." As another example, the crucifixion is central to Christianity, but this very core of the Christian faith is explicitly rejected by Islam: "The Quran teaches the exact opposite: Jesus was not killed, nor was he crucified...He either died by crucifixion or he did not. The Quran holds in Islam the place that Jesus holds in the Christian faith. In summary, I found NO GOD BUT ONE ALLAH OR JESUS to be a well-researched, helpful explanation of the most significant differences between Islam and Christianity."
"If you enjoy historical, objective, and accurate evidence that provides reasons for faith and support to the claims of Christianity -- then this book will be one you enjoy. I enjoyed this book enough to purchase 10 more to give to others!"
"Great book."
"In the second part, he lays out the evidences (or lack thereof) of Islam and Christianity, encouraging the reader to ponder the truth claims that are found within this book and make a decision to pursue the truth or reject it."
"As a lifelong Christian, I've always had certain questions about my faith that I didn't know, or understand, the answers to."
"An interesting take on what Islam teaches on Christianity, and how Christianity does fit history while Islam is anti-historical."
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The Essential Rumi - reissue: New Expanded Edition
The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry. -- Huston Smith, author of "The World's Religions""In this.delightful treasury, Barks sparklingly demonstratesonce again why his free-form interpretations of [Rumi's] poetryhave been a major impetus for the current Rumi vogue."
Reviews
"One of best book of great Rumi."
"In September of 2012, I created a photographic gallery of Rumi quotations and used a few of the quotes from Coleman Bark's book with direct permission from the author - I thought it was so cool that he emailed me back and was gracious about it. The translation is great but the content is very hard to put into context.... it's like reading about another person's dreams.... they make very little sense except a few moments in time when something clarifying and brilliant happens."
"Great poetry that inspires and is easily relate able to modern times."
"One of my all-time favorite books which I can and will read over and over."
"I read this book daily."
"I have had this in book form and I need something I can just carry with me anywhere I go."
"Coleman Barks is one of the best for bringing Rumi to the 21st century!..not literal translations from Persian, I've heard, but renderings that do capture the taste of Rumi's message."
"Wanted it to go to when I wanted/needed his wonderful words to center and quiet me."
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Best Islamic Law

No Go Zones: How Sharia Law Is Coming to a Neighborhood Near You
Now Raheem Kassam, a courageous reporter and editor at Breitbart, takes us where few journalists have dared to tread—inside the No Go Zones, revealing areas that Western governments, including the United States, don't want to admit exist within their own borders. How in No Go Zones a blind eye is being turned to polygamy, female genital mutilation, sexual assault, segregation, and even honor killings Why Muslim ghettos in the West aren't the equivalent of Little Italy or Chinatown, but a serious cultural and political threat How the welfare state actually funds and supports a Muslim subculture of resentment How to identify extremist mosques A matter of numbers: how mass migration could transform Europe into a Muslim-dominated continent within our own lifetimes The alarming speed at which No Go Zones are coming to America Compelling in its reporting, shocking in its detail, Raheem Kassam's No Go Zones is one of the most frightening true stories you will read this year.
Reviews
"As Kassam details, Europe has appeased Islamists who have taken over Islamic communities and created a state within a state, encouraging Muslims not to assimilate, spreading lies about the police and the citizens, and using the threat of violence and actual violence to instill fear in the locals to get what they want. Fear, guilt, and naivety has made the regressive left, political and media elites, submit to the radical Islamic right, to their Ultra Conservative Imams and religious scholars and self-proclaimed 'community leaders' who form and enforce the No Go Zones to enforce Sharia (Islamic law)."
"Much as I wonder at giving a 'like' rating to a book that expresses so much potential darkness for the future of Western Civilization, the author earned this evaluation."
"I, a West London boy who studied politics at the University of Westminister, arguably should not be the one telling these stories from the United States, or Belgium, or France, or Swedon. But the failure of the mainstream media to produce real reporting on No Go Zones has left me with no other choice but to bring this topic to light." -- page 235. Did you know that while Saudi Arabia has consistently refused to welcome Syrian refugees into their own country while at the same time they have pledged to build 200 mosques in Germany? Clearly there is something sinister afoot in Europe and unless we shift gears forthwith here in America the same sort of egregious problems will be coming to a town near you. As editor-in-chief of Breitbart London, Raheem Kassam has been aggressively and courageously covering these and a whole host of other troubling stories regarding the march of radical Islam through Europe and now to the shores of America."
"Many immigrants are fine, who could object to Hindu's or Sheikhs but one group refuses to assimilate and second and even third generations are do not speak English as their first language."
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Best Islamic Music

The Mysticism of Sound and Music: The Sufi Teaching of Hazrat Inayat Khan (Shambhala Dragon Editions)
Music, according to Sufi teaching, is really a small expression of the overwhelming and perfect harmony of the whole universe—and that is the secret of its amazing power to move us. "Inayat Khan brought one of the strongest and sweetest lineages from India to the West: the music and open heart of Sufism as it blends with Persian poetry and Western intellect. Music, according to Sufi teaching, is really a small expression of the overwhelming and perfect harmony of the whole universe - and that is the secret of its amazing power to move us.
Reviews
"Certainly an amazing company, they sent a sweet gift with my order which was beloved for the synchronization!"
"Mindblowing artful metaphor about subjects impossible to be written or spoken about, subjects which can only experienced for oneself to get close to the truth of reality."
"A master book about the influence of vibrations (music) in our life, the meaning of love in our heart and how we are all connected to everything."
"excellent book & prompt delivery & item as described; complete satisfaction."
"This man has something to share with musicians, poets, and music lovers."
"It's good for a present to people who are interested in the subject."
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Best Islamic Quran

The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)
It is the supreme authority in Islam and the living source of all Islamic teaching; it is a sacred text and a book of guidance, that sets out the creed, rituals, ethics, and laws of the Islamic religion. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. "Haleem has managed to transform the complex grammar and structure of the holy book into a form of modern English which reads easily and flows smoothly without taking liberties with the inviolable text.
Reviews
"Tarif Khalidi:: Do not turn your cheek away from people in contempt, and do not walk merrily upon the earth: God loves not every swaggering snob. Haleem, in addition, does not provide a literal translation, i.e. cheek, rather gives a more well-known idiom in English "turn up nose". Tarif Khalidi:: O mankind, We created you male and female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may come to know one another. Another important word here is atQaakum, which is related at-Taqwa and Muttaqun, which is usually translated to mean God-fearing or God-conscious. But "mindful of God" as Haleem presents and "pious" as Khalidi translates are not wrong either. MAS Abdel Haleem:: We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and made them [missiles] for stoning devils for whom We have also prepared the torment of a blazing fire. Tarif Khalidi:: We adorned the lower sky with Lanterns, and made them to be volleys against the demons, for whom We have readied the torment of the Blaze. My Opinion:: Each of Hammad, Haleem and Khalidi translates "Shayateen" as satans, devils and demons respectively. ~79/1~. Ahmad Zaki Hammad:: By the [angelic] pullers, pulling forth violently [the souls of the disbelievers at death]! MAS Abdel Haleem:: By the forceful chargers. Tarif Khalidi:: By those that dispatch, to the very limit! My Opinion:: Many translate first five verses of this chapter to include interpretations such as "angels", "winds", "stars", "herd of horses" etc. As such his translation seems to be forced to match the description of a herd of military horses going out. ~~~. My Conclusion:: Quran can't be properly translated into any other language to convey 100% of the meaning. In some places, his penchant for shorter and friendlier translation, he omits a word or two."
"Am using this in my research."
"Love it."
"Interesting and informative footnote translations of the religion for those with little knowledge of Islam!"
"Best translation I've ever read!"
"Easy reading to try to understand the Muslim faith."
"I could not be more please."
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Best Islamic Rituals & Practice

The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and That Veil Thing
Written from the point of view of an American Muslim, the book addresses what readers in the Western world are most curious about, beginning with the basics of Islam and how Muslims practice their religion before easing into more complicated issues like jihad, Islamic fundamentalism, and the status of women in Islam. She combines scholarship with an engaging and accessible style and frank self-criticism that crystallizes the faith and commitment of a majority of mainstream Muslims in its unity and diversity.”. — John L. Esposito, University Professor and Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the publishing world has generated a virtual flood of books on Islam and Muslims, and the vast majority of what has been published is no better than pseudo-intellectual drivel. This book easily ranks as one of the best three books published on the Islamic faith in the English language since the tragedy of 9/11. Indeed this book is a necessary read not just for those who are interested in learning about Islam, but even more so for those who believe that they have learned all there is to know about Islam." — Khaled Abou El Fadl, J.D., Ph.D., Professor of Immigration, Middle Eastern, and Islamic Law – UCLA School of Law, Author of The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists. Sumbul Ali-Karamali has written a lovely, lyrical and learned book about living Islam. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Islam from someone who lives it". Sumbul mixes scholarly insight about Islam with a personal, well-considered perspective on being a mainstream American Muslim. Intended primarily for non-Muslims seeking to understand their Muslim neighbor, Muslims will also see much value in Ali-Karamali’s book." "The Muslim Next Door provides a timely, candid and sensitive insight into the experience of growing up Muslim in a post-9/11 America, along with a much-needed and impeccably researched explanation of the historical and cultural contexts of today’s Muslim world and the religion of Islam. Often the only Muslim her acquaintances knew, she had ample practice answering questions about Islam and Muslims. While working as a corporate lawyer, she was repeatedly asked to recommend books on Islam, so she decided to write a book that was both academically reliable and entertaining to read. She served as a teaching assistant in Islamic Law at SOAS and a research associate at the Centre of Islamic and Middle Eastern Law in London, and then she wrote The Muslim Next Door for everyone who ever asked - or wanted to ask - a question about Islam.
Reviews
"This is good information and I recommend more people to read this book!"
"Written in a very warm, personal and sometimes humorous style, The Musliim Next Door educates about Muslims and Islam without being lecturey and is a good read for both those familiar and unfamiliar with the faith."
"I bought this after hearing Ms. Ali-Karamali speak at a local college and found her very friendly and open when fielding questions on the Muslim faith."
"I learned much, and now at least have some appreciation of Muslim culture and the fact that they should not all be condemned as enemies."
"A necessary read for people who desire to learn more about our Muslim neighbors and the faith that they practice."
"I bought this book for my mom for Christmas and she really enjoyed it."
"Good book to read."
"An informative and educational book that is a must read in this day and age."
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Best Islamic Shi'ism

After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam
Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic nation had begun, beginning a succession crisis marked by power grabs, assassination, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Pitting the family of his favorite wife, the controversial Aisha, against supporters of his son-in-law, the philosopher-warrior Ali, the struggle would reach its breaking point fifty years later in Iraq, when soldiers of the first Sunni dynasty massacred seventy-two warriors led by Muhammad's grandson Hussein at Karbala. Balancing past and present, she shows how these seventh-century events are as alive in Middle Eastern hearts and minds today as though they had just happened, shaping modern headlines from Iran's Islamic Revolution to the civil war in Iraq. It began with a question asked after a particularly ghastly suicide bombing in Iraq: "How come Muhammad, the prophet of unity who spoke of one people and one God, left behind him this terrible, unending, bloody legacy of division between Sunni and Shia?" The subject was all the more irresistible to me personally since it brings together many of my deepest interests: the interplay of religion and politics, more intricately intertwined in the Middle East than anywhere else in the world; my own experience living in and reporting from the Middle East for Time magazine and other publications; my affinity for narrative nonfiction and for tracing the interplay of past and present; and my original training as a psychologist, which comes into play as I explore the story, the way it has endured, and how it is used today in politics, society, spiritual life, and, too often, war. I could almost imagine that if all this had only been better known in the West, American troops would never have been sent within a hundred miles of Iraqi holy cities like Najaf and Karbala, which figure in it so largely, and that we would never have tried to intervene in an argument fueled by such a volatile blend of emotion, religion, and politics. In the end, I will be happy if readers simply turn over the last page and breathe out the words I found myself saying again and again as my research deepened, and that seem to me an entirely appropriate response to a story of this power: "Oh my God..." --Lesley Hazleton.
Reviews
"I wonder if one can trust so much in a source that seems almost 'partisan' to one of the branches of Islam..., although I can only say, it is inviting to keep reading and searching for other opinions."
"Probably better than many devote Moslems would because the are simply too close to the subject matter and the figures involved are "larger than life"."
"Did not know much of the history after the death of Prophet Muhammad SAW so this narrative was very enlightening."
"Good, simple, short and to the point not 100% accurate but still worth reading."
"Quite objective."
"Heavily sourced and well researched, I caught myself thinking "oh I need that book, and that one, and that one.""
"This historical narrative conveys the complex nature of familial and religious ties in the 7th Century developing Islamic world in an easily understood manner."
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Best Sufism

The Essential Rumi - reissue: New Expanded Edition
The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry. -- Huston Smith, author of "The World's Religions""In this.delightful treasury, Barks sparklingly demonstratesonce again why his free-form interpretations of [Rumi's] poetryhave been a major impetus for the current Rumi vogue."
Reviews
"One can pick up this volume and turn to any page for a shot of verbal adrenaline, for Rumi talks about everything under the sun and is completely free of puritanical shame - so very refreshing. In fact, he writes as if the listener is on the same level and can ignite the identical inner spark that Rumi has through some kind of spontaneous combustion. I'd also like to see a few hundred copies of Rumi circulated at our nation's capitol, since it's hard to imagine anyone there having read something even as basic and moral as "A Thousand and One Nights," either as a child or by their parents, to expand their perspective on the world as an adult - and unfortunately this contracted and limited view of life really really shows and the rest of us have to suffer for it... Free copies for everyone paid out of the military budget."
"One of best book of great Rumi."
"In September of 2012, I created a photographic gallery of Rumi quotations and used a few of the quotes from Coleman Bark's book with direct permission from the author - I thought it was so cool that he emailed me back and was gracious about it. The translation is great but the content is very hard to put into context.... it's like reading about another person's dreams.... they make very little sense except a few moments in time when something clarifying and brilliant happens."
"Great poetry that inspires and is easily relate able to modern times."
"One of my all-time favorite books which I can and will read over and over."
"I read this book daily."
"I have had this in book form and I need something I can just carry with me anywhere I go."
"Coleman Barks is one of the best for bringing Rumi to the 21st century!..not literal translations from Persian, I've heard, but renderings that do capture the taste of Rumi's message."
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Best Islamic Sunnism

After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam
Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic nation had begun, beginning a succession crisis marked by power grabs, assassination, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Pitting the family of his favorite wife, the controversial Aisha, against supporters of his son-in-law, the philosopher-warrior Ali, the struggle would reach its breaking point fifty years later in Iraq, when soldiers of the first Sunni dynasty massacred seventy-two warriors led by Muhammad's grandson Hussein at Karbala. Balancing past and present, she shows how these seventh-century events are as alive in Middle Eastern hearts and minds today as though they had just happened, shaping modern headlines from Iran's Islamic Revolution to the civil war in Iraq. It began with a question asked after a particularly ghastly suicide bombing in Iraq: "How come Muhammad, the prophet of unity who spoke of one people and one God, left behind him this terrible, unending, bloody legacy of division between Sunni and Shia?" The subject was all the more irresistible to me personally since it brings together many of my deepest interests: the interplay of religion and politics, more intricately intertwined in the Middle East than anywhere else in the world; my own experience living in and reporting from the Middle East for Time magazine and other publications; my affinity for narrative nonfiction and for tracing the interplay of past and present; and my original training as a psychologist, which comes into play as I explore the story, the way it has endured, and how it is used today in politics, society, spiritual life, and, too often, war. I could almost imagine that if all this had only been better known in the West, American troops would never have been sent within a hundred miles of Iraqi holy cities like Najaf and Karbala, which figure in it so largely, and that we would never have tried to intervene in an argument fueled by such a volatile blend of emotion, religion, and politics. In the end, I will be happy if readers simply turn over the last page and breathe out the words I found myself saying again and again as my research deepened, and that seem to me an entirely appropriate response to a story of this power: "Oh my God..." --Lesley Hazleton.
Reviews
"I wonder if one can trust so much in a source that seems almost 'partisan' to one of the branches of Islam..., although I can only say, it is inviting to keep reading and searching for other opinions."
"Probably better than many devote Moslems would because the are simply too close to the subject matter and the figures involved are "larger than life"."
"Did not know much of the history after the death of Prophet Muhammad SAW so this narrative was very enlightening."
"Good, simple, short and to the point not 100% accurate but still worth reading."
"Quite objective."
"Heavily sourced and well researched, I caught myself thinking "oh I need that book, and that one, and that one.""
"This historical narrative conveys the complex nature of familial and religious ties in the 7th Century developing Islamic world in an easily understood manner."
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Best Islamic Theology

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (And the Crusades) (The Politically Incorrect Guides)
Islam expert Robert Spencer reveals Islam's ongoing, unshakable quest for global conquest and why the West today faces the same threat as the Crusaders did--and what we can learn from their experience. "A much-needed antidote to the poisonous propaganda that compromises our current battle against jihadist murder." -- Ibn Warraq, author "A much-needed antidote to the poisonous propaganda that compromises our current battle against jihadist murder." Spencer reveals facts that you won't be taught in school and will never hear on the evening news, supplies a revealing list of "Books You Must Not Read" (as far as the PC left is concerned), and takes you on a fast-paced politically incorrect tour of Islamic teaching and Crusades history that will give you all the information you need to understand the true nature of the global conflict America faces today.
Reviews
"I already have a copy of the Quran in English, and a book that describes and praises Islam and its history."
"Every freedom loving individual should read this before it's too late."
"A great read."
"An absolutely fascinating and informative analysis of Islam and the true history about the Crusades, as well as the current looming crisis with Islam."
"Very good info."
"A very important look at an enemy we will have to face more and more."
"We have to do our own homework when it comes to learning the truth about history."
"I have recommended this book to everyone I know."
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Best Women in Islam

Hiding in the Light: Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus
It is also the untold story of how she ran from her father’s threats to find refuge with strangers in Florida, only to face a controversial court case that reached national headlines. In the words of this young woman who has already been through so much, we are painted a picture of stark cultural contrast—that of slavery and liberty, duty and love, and bondage and freedom. As much as anything, this is a story about the first freedom upon which America was built—the freedom to believe and live one’s life according to those beliefs. Rifqa’s inspiring story reminds us why we must continue to stand for faith and freedom!”. —Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council. “Rifqa Bary’s story unveils God as the Father to the fatherless whose pursuit of His children is fiercely beautiful. This story will give you not only insight into what it means for a Muslim to convert to Christianity and the heavy price associated with that, but also the importance of Christians breaking through the stereotypes and reaching out to Muslims in love.”. —Naghmeh Abedini, wife of imprisoned pastor Saeed Abedini. In my own experience as a child, I had hidden in a cocoon of despair and lived with the brutality of loneliness—I understand how she felt. She also cherishes long talks with loved ones over coffee and eating lots of chicken curry.
Reviews
"We read the book starting in the early evening, continuing into the night, until we finished it in the morning. My heart broke for her as she fought for faith and conscience at an age when many girls are tossed and torn by identity issues and consumerism. Get a glimpse into Islam, immigrant life, the plight of many Muslim women, the dark side of Honor and Shame cultures, an incident of real injustice in the justice system, and the cost a young Muslim woman had to pay to receive Jesus here in America."
"This amazing relationship with God through Christ."
"The life of this believer is direct result of God's many miracles."
"I found this a great read, very inspiring."
"I loved this book!"
"Poignant life story of great courage and how reveals Himself and carries us through a perilous life."
"It is sad her family didn't come to know the Lord, who knows maybe someday she will have restoration with her family, but they will probably never happen if they stay Muslim since they are required to disown her."
"I'd give this 100- stars - absolutely one of the most inspiring riveting wonderful Christian books ever."
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Best Biographies of Islam

Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A lucid, intelligent page-turner” ( Los Angeles Times ) that challenges long-held assumptions about Jesus, from the host of Believer Two thousand years ago, an itinerant Jewish preacher walked across the Galilee, gathering followers to establish what he called the “Kingdom of God.” The revolutionary movement he launched was so threatening to the established order that he was executed as a state criminal. Sifting through centuries of mythmaking, Reza Aslan sheds new light on one of history’s most enigmatic figures by examining Jesus through the lens of the tumultuous era in which he lived. He explores the reasons the early Christian church preferred to promulgate an image of Jesus as a peaceful spiritual teacher rather than a politically conscious revolutionary. A vivid, persuasive portrait.” — Salon “This tough-minded, deeply political book does full justice to the real Jesus, and honors him in the process.” — San Francisco Chronicle “A special and revealing work, one that believer and skeptic alike will find surprising, engaging, and original.” —Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power “Compulsively readable . Q. Yours is one of the few popular biographies of Jesus of Nazareth that does not rely on the gospels as your primary source of information for uncovering Jesus’ life. A. I certainly rely on the gospels to provide a narrative outline to my biography of Jesus of Nazareth, but my primary source in recreating Jesus’ life are historical writings about first century Palestine, like the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, as well as Roman documents of the time. In other words, the gospels tell us about Jesus the Christ, not Jesus the man. To get to the bottom of that mystery, which is what I try to do in the book, one must sift through the gospel stories to analyze their claims about Jesus in light of the historical facts we know about the time and world in which Jesus lived. But the more I read the Bible – especially in college, where I began my formal study of the New Testament – the more I uncovered a wide chasm between the Jesus of history and the Jesus I learned about in church. But the irony is that once I detached my academic study of Jesus from my faith in Christ, I became an even more fervent follower of Jesus of Nazareth. So in a way, this book is my attempt to spread the good news of Jesus the man with the same passion that I once applied to spreading the good news of Jesus the Christ. The key to understanding who Jesus was and what Jesus meant lies in understanding the times in which he lived. Aslan, who authored the much acclaimed No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, offers a compelling argument for a fresh look at the Nazarene, focusing on how Jesus the man evolved into Jesus the Christ. Approaching the subject from a purely academic perspective, the author parts an important curtain that has long hidden from view the man Jesus, who is every bit as compelling, charismatic, and praiseworthy as Jesus the Christ. Carefully comparing extra-biblical historical records with the New Testament accounts, Aslan develops a convincing and coherent story of how the Christian church, and in particular Paul, reshaped Christianity's essence, obscuring the very real man who was Jesus of Nazareth.
Reviews
"There's nothing in this book that would surprise a person (like myself) who has read pretty much all of the accessible scholarship on Jesus published in the last 30 or so years. 2) Aslan takes the position that Jesus was a zealot for God and God's Temple, but (and this is repeated several times in the book) he was not a member of the Zealot Party, which wouldn't arise until over 30 years after Jesus' death. 3) Aslan doesn't stop with the death of Jesus, and, as someone writing history, not hagiography, he carefully notes that he can't pass judgment on whether Jesus' resurrection occurred, because it is not a historical event but an event of faith. (For example, Luke 16:19 points out that the rich man in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus wore purple and fine linen and all four gospels are agreed that Jesus was buried in linen.). Moreover, if Aslan was pushing Islam, you'd think that he'd make a point of saying, "Well, Islam considers Jesus a prophet," but he doesn't."
"I read this book primarily because some of the negative reviews were so hysterical in their fear that I was curious what the big deal is. His job as an academic is to present a thesis, develop it based on both evidence and his theories of meaning and then let the reading community judge it."
"Once I began reading it, I could not put this book down."
"If you've gone to seminary, you are probably aware of everything in this book."
"Well written and provides the reader with a great background on the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth."
"An interesting book apparently well researched by a religion scholar."
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Best Radical Thought

The Big Lie: Exposing the Nazi Roots of the American Left
To cover up their insidious fascist agenda, Democrats loudly accuse President Trump and other Republicans of being Nazis—an obvious lie, considering the GOP has been fighting the Democrats over slavery, genocide, racism and fascism from the beginning. He expertly exonerates President Trump and his supporters, then uncovers the Democratic Left's long, cozy relationship with Nazism: how the racist and genocidal acts of early Democrats inspired Adolf Hitler's campaign of death; how fascist philosophers influenced the great 20th century lions of the American Left; and how today's anti-free speech, anti-capitalist, anti-religious liberty, pro-violence Democratic Party is a frightening simulacrum of the Nazi Party. In The Big Lie , D'Souza shows that the Democratic Left's orchestrated campaign to paint President Trump and conservatives as Nazis to cover up its own fascism is, in fact, the biggest lie of all. He is also a former White House domestic policy analyst and research scholar at the American Enterprise Institution and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
Reviews
"Could not put it down, if your a conservative you need to school yourself, this book is a big start!"
"The historical comparisons were very interesting."
"D'Sousa is brillant...he ties the past history to what is happening in today's world."
"Great opinions with supporting facts!"
"Dinesh D'Souza researched this book from stem to stern and I was amazed by his extraordinary expose of Leftism's influence on the National Socialists of Germany."
"It is long, and long winded, including giving the reader more than enough real world examples of things like real events in which the left essentially has mimicked fascist and Nazi tactics, such as not respecting outcomes of democratic elections and physical threats to the other side."
"Outstanding book."
"D'Souza swiftly takes you from the origins of National Socialism to today's Antifa without skipping a beat."
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Best Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts

Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •. An eye-opening, no-holds-barred memoir about life in the Church of Scientology, now with a new afterword by the author—the outspoken actress and star of the A&E docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath Leah Remini has never been the type to hold her tongue. Indoctrinated into the church as a child while living with her mother and sister in New York, Remini eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her dreams of becoming an actress and advancing Scientology’s causes grew increasingly intertwined. Troublemaker is the most raw and revealing Scientology memoir to date.” — Entertainment Weekly “Leah’s story is a juicy, inside-Hollywood read, but it’s more than that. Troublemaker is the most raw and revealing Scientology memoir to date.” — Entertainment Weekly “Leah’s story is a juicy, inside-Hollywood read, but it’s more than that. It’s a moving story about the value of questioning authority and how one woman survived a profound crisis of faith.” — People “Remini [offers] up some juicy tidbits from her decades in the church.” — Newsweek Leah Remini is an actor, producer, and writer.
Reviews
"It's 7:20 AM as I write this, and I haven't slept since I started reading this book, moments after downloading it. When I heard advance word of the release, having read just about every book there is on the subject of Scientology (from Inside Scientology, to Bare Faced Messiah, to Beyond Belief to The Unbreakable Miss Lovely), from personal accounts to journalistic exposes, I eagerly anticipated Troublemaker. I can't wait to read the remaining 20%, and regardless of my ignorance of her acting career, with this book she's become one of my favorite people. And if you're looking for a real window into the bizarre, rarefied world of celebrity scientologists (Leah attending Tom Cruise's wedding to Katie Holmes, for example, and the subsequent fallout after she is brazenly manipulated to get J Lo and Marc Anthony to attend as well, is jaw dropping) you need look no further."
"I was not disappointed, but in the process of learning a bit more about scientology, there were some really interesting insights into her childhood, as well as her experiences getting into show businesses. This is a very quick read and it starts off right away by jumping into the issue of Scientology, so, if that is the reason why you are picking up the book, I recommend it for that aspect. It is also interesting to see how the fall-out and consequences for breaking with the church comes to light, in particular, Leah outlines her own humanity, pointing out areas in her life where she has messed up at the very start of the book, essentially expected to get sued by Scientology."
"I'm not a "fangirl" of Leah Remini though I've always thought she was funny, beautiful, and brash (in a good way). Leah really holds nothing back in this book, she writes like she talks, funny and brash but not an obnoxious way. Ms. Halbreich came from a very wealthy family, married into wealth, got divorced, and got a job on the sales floor at Bergdorfs."
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