Red, White, and Muslim: My Story of Belief

I found this book very simplistic. In fact, I kept checking the author's information to find out how old she was when she wrote this book, thinking maybe it was written by a teenager.There is no attempt to reconcile the rosy-colored view of Islam the author has with the very real abuses done in its name, to individuals, populations and countries. For example, she writes, "[The son:] didn't kill his father, despite the father's previous endorsement of his brother, although in those days such a de [...]

I gave this book 5 stars not because I found it to be particularly revealing or unusual. Because this is my field of study, this book had actually little to offer to me. Individuals well-read in the study of Islam might find the author's explanations of certain practices and beliefs simplistic.But it's a good book, and an important one. Non-Muslims interested in understanding more about Islam from a South Asian Muslim woman's perspective should certainly take a look at this book, which is a quic [...]

Wonderfully written, and small enough to tuck in my purse as well!I'd urge anyone who's formed their opinion of Islam from American media reports to read this thoughtful, liberated view as expressed by a devoutly Muslim American woman. Pithy, insightful, plainspoken, and simply brilliant--Asma Hasan's work stands out as an ideal introduction to a rich global religious tradition.

I appreciated its heart but didn't find it to be a very focused piece. There are overly-long expository sections that feel didactic and simplified. I would have liked to see more of a memoir piece, with the information about Islam incorporated more skillfully.

Her understanding of Islam and her potential are great.

Interesting read of one scholars journey of being American and Muslim. Witty, educational, and heartfelt.

I commend the author's effort at writing a book on this subject matter. She does a good job demonstrating the relationship Muslims have with their religion and their American identity.However, there are too many mistakes in the book; thus prompting one to question her research. The errors may seem minor, but they demonstrate her lack of knowledge regarding the Middle East/Muslim world. The Muslim world and the Middle East are very complex, as is the study of Islam. Too often, she generalizes to [...]

I really felt EDUCATED by this book. Read it. It will enlighten and help dismiss the stereotypical understanding most Americans have of Islam and its holy book, the Qur'an. It is well written and an engaging composition which draws upon the author's personal life and her commitment to Islam and its teachings - a much more progressive and free-thinking religion than one might have expected.The book does a marvelous job of intertwining facts about Islam with personal stories that are often hilario [...]

I have my students study different cultures, so when I saw this book in a give-away pile, I thought I would read it to learn more myself. Unfortunately, the book was not as interesting as I had hoped. She seems to babble on and on, endlessly quoting the Quran. I don't mind that she supports her points using the Quran, but sometimes I feel like she uses the readings to make her point, which is more difficult for me to follow and interpret. Also, she notes consistently that there are Muslims in Am [...]

I was excited to read this, and mostly disappointed. Some sections are informative and provide good insight into the more beautiful aspects of Islam. For the most part, though, this reads less like an account and, often, more like a passionate defense against a phantom audience or critics. It's especially offputting when she speaks to Muslims who speak negatively about America, using an ugly “love it or leave it” rhetoric which begs the question, if America didn’t create an uncomfortable c [...]

A good read for a facet of the Islamic faith that many (most) non-Muslim Americans don't ever see. It presents a soft platform of America being the perfect soil for an Islamic Nation - but not one where the government is run by a religion but one whose ethical and moral teachings are parallel with the teachings of Islam. A central tenet is to move Islam away from the radical politics and misogynistic cultural accretions picked up over the years and back to its progressive base.

This book is extremely simplistic and apologetic. She wraps Islam up in a pretty little bow, without delving into any of the challenging issues a modern Muslim deals with in the post 9/11 world. Her book would have been far more authentic if she had actually displayed some understanding of how tribalism has perverted much of the beautiful tenants Islam originally proclaimed.

I loved this book! It showed me a woman's simple view of her own Islam and I felt like she was encouraging me to find my own version. She comes off as very real and truthful. I learned a little about Sufism too. :)

Succinct view of Muslim beliefs interspersed with personal experiences. I enjoyed the simplified explanation of Muslim beliefs and thought she'd had some interesting experiences as an American Muslim. Quick read, fairly short book.

This book was not quite what I thought it would be. It felt very preachy and included much whining and complaining. Overall, a book that doesn't have much going for it.

The author grew up in Pueblo and her brother is active in GOP politics in Eagle County.

Such a wonderful book! Highly informative and obviously well-researched. It clears up many misconceptions about Islam.