Nomad

The Somali-born former member of Parliament in the Netherlands discusses her life as a Muslim and her transition to atheism after living in the West. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's narration is heartfelt and determined, her voice fully revealing the internal conflicts involved in leaving her faith, a decision that strained relations with her family. Her harsh criticism of Islam is illustrated with stories from her own experiences of growing up with a "problem family," along with reports of practices such as honor killings. Her proposals for change--which include calling on Christian churches to actively convert Muslims--are controversial. However, Ali's account of her struggles to escape Muslim influence are fascinating, making for a compelling book. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

September 1, 2010

Ali's New York Times best-selling debut memoir, Infidel (2007)--also available from Recorded Books and narrated by the author--chronicled her journey from devout Muslim Somali to atheist refugee activist. In this second memoir, she offers a closer look at her family and migration to the Netherlands, where she became a member of the Dutch Parliament, and then to the United States. In describing the obstacles she and her family have faced, Ali affirms what she believes to be the challenges of integrating Muslim immigrants into Western societies--among them, militant Islam's treatment of women and the belief in the infallibility of the Quran. While not all will agree with Ali's broad condemnation of Islam, she is an engaging speaker and storyteller, and hers is an important voice in today's world. Expect demand for this thought-provoking title. [The Free Pr: S. & S. hc was described as "a controversial book accessible to the general public, unlikely to change any minds," LJ 5/15/10.--Ed.]--Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., Garrettsville, OH

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