2008-06-14 Well written and well worth a read

I bought this on a whim after a trip to Egypt that left me confused about what I was seeing at home and abroad in regard to women in Islam. Easy to read and not at all 'dry' the text is written by a journalist who I feel has avoided simply reporting stereotypes (as one reviewer has alleged) while not shying away from any truth in assumptions those ignorant to Islam or the Middle East may have made. She talks to progressive Muslims as well as hard-liners and though perhaps it is clear she supports a more progressive view I think she represents both sides with care.

I found it a fascinating read and certainly something I would recommend in a time when fear and ignorance are prominent in the way people react to a religion they don't necessarily understand.