"In the Name Of God" by Paula Jolin is a very interesting book. It is the story of Nadia, a seventeen-year-old girl who lives in Syria. Nadia is hijabi and very resentful of the influence the Western world has had on some of her cousins. Her religion is very important to her and she is critical of others who don't seem to give Islam equal weight. I really enjoyed seeing life through Nadia's eyes. And it broke my heart to watch her travel the path from devout Muslim to fundamentalism, and to ultimately get involved with radicals-people who had violence in mind. One reviewer of this book described Nadia as a sympathetic and likeable character and I'm afraid I would have to disagree. Her belief that hers is the only path leads her to be harsh and judgemental of others. (She reminded me of several Christians I know) She puts the worst interpretation on the behavior of others, she rarely has a kind word to say of anyone else, she eavesdrops, she spies, she schemes, she lies-not, I think, a sympathetic or a likeable character. But a fascinating one. And one that, in spite of everything, you care a great deal about. She is, after all a teenager. And like teenagers everywhere, she's trying to find her path. She's full of spirit and zeal and passion. She's just so very real. And above all, a dreamer. This book is well worth the read. Check it out!
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