4.21
"Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that explores the author's experiences growing up as a Muslim woman in Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya, and her eventual rejection of the faith. The book provides a unique and intimate look at the oppressive practices and beliefs that are often perpetuated in the name of Islam, and the ways in which they can impact the lives of women and girls in particular. Hirsi Ali's writing is clear, compelling, and at times, heart-wrenching as she recounts her own experiences of female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and the threat of honor killing. She also explores the political and cultural factors that contribute to the continuation of these practices, and the ways in which they are often justified or ignored by those in power. One of the key themes of "Infidel" is the importance of individual freedom and the right to question and challenge authority. Hirsi Ali argues that it is only through the rejection of blind faith and the embrace of critical thinking that individuals can truly be free. She also emphasizes the importance of education and the need for Muslims, particularly women, to have access to information and opportunities that will allow them to think for themselves and make their own choices. "Infidel" is not only a powerful personal story, but also a call to action for those who are concerned about the treatment of women and girls in Muslim communities. Hirsi Ali's message is one of hope and empowerment, and she encourages her readers to speak out against injustice and work towards creating a more equal and inclusive world. Overall, "Infidel" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning more about the experiences of Muslim women, the impact of religious extremism, and the importance of individual freedom and critical thinking. It is a powerful and thought-provoking book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers...
Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle
If you were moved by Ayaan Hirsi Ali's memoir of perseverance and self-realization, you will appreciate Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle. This memoir tells the story of Walls' unconventional and poverty-stricken upbringing, and her determination to break free from her parents' destructive behavior and build a successful life for herself.
Learn MoreBetty Mahmoody
Not Without My Daughter
For readers of Infidel who are interested in stories of courage and resilience in the face of oppression, Not Without My Daughter is a must-read. This memoir tells the harrowing tale of Betty Mahmoody's escape from Iran with her daughter after being held captive by her husband and subjected to physical and emotional abuse.
Learn MoreAzar Nafisi
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Fans of Infidel's exploration of the intersection of Islam and women's rights will enjoy Reading Lolita in Tehran. This memoir follows a group of women in Tehran who gather in secret to read and discuss forbidden Western literature, and the ways in which these stories help them navigate their own experiences of repression and liberation.
Learn MoreSadegh Hedayat
The Blind Owl
For those interested in a deeper understanding of Iranian culture and history, The Blind Owl is a powerful and haunting novel that explores the psychological and existential struggles of an unnamed protagonist living in Tehran. The novel's themes of alienation, despair, and the search for meaning will resonate with readers of Infidel.
Learn MoreAnne Frank
The Diary of a Young Girl
The Diary of a Young Girl is a classic memoir that explores the experiences of a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II. Readers of Infidel will be moved by Anne Frank's resilience, optimism, and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Learn MoreAdam Johnson
The Orphan Master's Son
The Orphan Master's Son is a sweeping novel that explores life in North Korea, one of the most repressive societies in the world. Readers of Infidel will be fascinated by Johnson's portrayal of the ways in which individuals resist and subvert the totalitarian regime, and his exploration of the human capacity for survival and resilience.
Learn MoreErik Larson
The Devil in the White City
For those interested in a gripping true crime story, The Devil in the White City is a riveting account of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the serial killer who used the fair as a hunting ground. Readers of Infidel will be captivated by the story's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the ways in which individuals can be both monstrous and heroic.
Learn More