Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Infidel
Book Review: Awesome book
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are ready to get your head out of the sand and confront reality, please pick up this book. The story itself is great, incredibly educational and inspirational. It is also nicely written, a book you will not want to put down. Another suggestion are books by Brad Thor, his weaving of fiction with serious political issues of the moment is delightful.Book Review: Ayaan Hirsi Ali -- Brilliant, Beautiful and Brave
Summary: 5 Stars
Ayaan Hirsi Ali takes the reader on a journey. A journey of discovery from obscurity to fame, from the muslim brotherhood to atheism, from the backbreaking yokes of third world tribalism and feudalism to Western philosophy and the Enlightenment. Ms. Ali did not intend for this to happen. It all happened TO her, and she lays out her case for turning her back on her family, her cultural heritage and her religion in a brutally honest, often heart-wrenching manner. If the West has any doubts about what the leaders of the Islamic world are up to, they should be put to rest after reading this book. Islam is not a curious group of friendly, smiling, quaintly dressed members of the local mosque just down the block. It is an insidious disease that is slowly spreading throughout the world. Just as any dictatorial regime will maintain that its mission is peace and harmony with all men, Ms. Ali warns us not to be fooled by any faux ecumenism coming from muslim leaders. As she points out, the Koran is clear, Islam is man's only hope for salvation. And you shall either believe or be cut down by the sword of Islamic justice. Muslims do not wish to live peacefully side by side with members of other religions. Muslims cannot tolerate Western freedoms and values at all. The only coexistence muslims are interested in is the one where they are in charge. And it is the duty of every muslim to ensure the coming of this new Caliphate. Read Ms. Ali's book and learn the truth about the Islamic agenda from a woman who has traveled farther than most of us on her journey of discovery. Discover her passion, and discover the truth.Book Review: Ayaan: The Voice of an Infidel
Summary: 5 Stars
My curiosity has been fed about Ayaan Hirsi Ali. When I browsed the bookstore looking for another captivating book to read, I came across her book cover, which did interest me, but it was her story that intrigued me. Who is this woman? Who is this Infidel?
Through her words and imagery, I traveled throughout the vast lands of Africa from Somalia to Kenya and all the way to Europe. Her story is a journey not just physical but also a spiritual and intellectual journey. This novel explored her upbringing in Africa as a child of the Muslim faith. As in any faith, we are naïve to what is beyond the teachings that are passed down to us through interpreters. Children are dared not to question the prevalent contradictions that exist within organized religions and they are definitely not allowed to question the purpose of certain customs and rituals that as in some cultures are connected to the core of one's faith. Ayaan's soul began to question her surroundings as her eyes began to open to the ugly truth of her faith however her questions were not tolerated as a Muslim (or as in any other religious system the only difference is that you can suffer by death for your inquiries). It is generally believed that if you are questioning the precepts of one's faith then you are allowing satanic influences to steer you from the "Straight Path" which is an abomination to you and to the honor of your family--your dedication to your faith should be unequivocal and be a complete submission to Allah.
Ayaan could have shunned her growing feelings of doubt about her faith but she chose not to for her own self-betterment and in the name of truth. Her quest to discovering the truths of being a Muslim and its doctrines wasn't an easy path because Ayaan truly loved her faith, her family and her culture. As she progressed from childhood to adulthood with these burning questions, she longed for her freedom from the constraints of this paternalistic, clan-segregated society. She wanted more and sought her freedom in Europe. She courageously established her new beginning in Holland and soon obtained her Dutch citizenship. She lived the immigrants' dream to become a productive member of a new society. She became educated and was a hard worker--staying connected to immigrants from Somalia she served as a translator. However she began to see the same violence exhibited back home from where she ran away from at the doorsteps of Holland--her new home. The violence that she saw were Muslim girls and women repeatedly being abused, and even killed by their families and husbands in the name of Allah. Women were not only physically abused but deprived of independent thought, choice of freedom and equality. The Dutch government was unaware of this problem soon to become an ever-growing trend of violence that would forever change the religious, political and economic landscape of their society.
She couldn't stand for this! Ayaan pledged to bring awareness to the Dutch about this but before she could go on her crusade for justice she had to arm herself with the social and political history of Holland and the world. She later entered the political arena and was a new voice with vigor. She captivated society's attention--good and bad. When she became a member of parliament (historic!), she reveled this opportunity to influence change and introduce new legislation bringing to light the realities of the abuse crisis and the violence overtures of the Muslim teachings. However, her term in parliament was marred by death threats and murder of a confidant leaving Ayaan feeling like a prisoner in her own skin as she was constantly being relocated.
Her story doesn't end on the very last page--it simply begins a new chapter as she continues her journey to the United States to engage in intellectual discourse on the Muslim truth.
Book Review: Beautiful Infidel
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow - I could not put this book down. From her horrid childhood to her daring escape to her phenomenal rise in Holland, Ali is nothing short of a miracle - and a prophet. Her message is vital, critical and timely. She doesn't attack Islam, she merely points out its shortcomings, which she has experienced for herself firsthand. She is a daring, courageous woman for the way she has chosen to live her life, and for calling out Islam the way she has. Hopefully she will continue to write and speak out because her message needs to be heard. A beautifully written book by a beautiful human being.Book Review: Beautiful, inspiring and instructive, only one suggestion...
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best book I have read in years. As I progressed in reading it I could feel more and more empathy with the author, and could not resist creating many earmarks, something that I usually try to avoid.
Having said this, I think there is one aspect that could have been investigated better: the similarities between Islam and Christianity. What Ayaan saw was a sharp contrast because she went from a strictly Muslim family, living in a Country that was several centuries behind the west, to the 21st century in Holland. But if we look back at 100 years ago or more it wouldn't be hard to find that some of the bad things about the way women are treated by Islam today have ancient roots even in the Christian religion.