Donna Gehrke-White

An interesting look at a number of Muslim-American women, their lives and their perspectives on American culture, Muslim beliefs, and how they interweave both. The author offers no analysis, simply straight reporting, often in the women’s own words. Easy to read.

I am glad I read this book before I became addicted to the hilarious TV series, "Little Mosque on the Prairie". One of my Muslim students introduced me to the series, which I adore, and having read this book first, I was comfortable with the realism of the show.… (mere)

This book provides a large number of profiles of Muslim women in America, and all of the stories are very interesting. Some profiles, such as the stories of immigrants (e.g., from Afghanistan) are very moving and indeed inspiring, to Americans of any faith (or none).

That being said, though, I felt rather disappointed in some respects. For one thing, there is an emphasis on quantity rather than depth---most of the profiles are unfortunately very brief. So the book provides more of a snapshot of many lives, rather than an in-depth treatment of a few. I would have preferred a bit more depth.

I also thought there was a bit too much emphasis on the hijab and "veil" issue. To hijab or not to hijab, that is the question, and unfortunately it is one that some authors, especially Western ones, dwell on far too much.

Still, the book has merit, and might prove to be a good read especially for someone who is approaching the subject of Islam in American for the first time, and who wants to see a snapshot of a broad range of Muslim women in America.… (mere)