by ~JOY ~bringing it 2 every1 she knows ;-) H.

Member since:
August 8, 2006

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali~ BOOK REVIEW

September 07, 2007 03:33 PM EDT (Updated: September 17, 2007 01:06 AM EDT)

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The solitary facts of Ayaan Hirsi Ali's unusual life would make fascinating reading by themselves. This book is somehow much more than an ordinary autobiography.

In the first chapter of Infidel, Ayaan Hirsi Ali is age 5, sitting on a grass mat. Her grandmother is teaching her to recite the names of her ancestors, as all Somali children must learn to do. "Get it right," her grandmother warns. "They are your bloodline. . . . If you dishonor them you will be forsaken. You will be nothing. You will lead a wretched life and die alone." Can you imagine such fear, hearing these statements from your grandmother at the age of 5?

It is difficult to do this book justice without providing too many details. Let's just say Hirsi Ali's memoirs break your heart while inspiring you.

Infidel describes Hirsi Ali's unique intellectual and physical journey, from the tribal customs of her Somali childhood, through the harsh fundamentalism of Saudi Arabia and on into the contemporary West.

This memoir will grab your imagination like no other, transport you into a world you have never known, and introduce you to the intimate world of a young Muslim woman. Her tale takes her all over Africa, Arabia, and Europe. The complex interaction of tribes, clans, cultures, extended families and nations is woven into a personal drama.This is one book who won't want to miss out on. Ayaan Hirsi Ali now lives in the U.S under armed guard.

I finished this book in a week, without even trying.I was captivated and kept "finding time" to read.

If you have read this memoir, or intend to please share your thoughts.

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Tags: memoirs, ayaan hirsi ali, a stay up all night read, political books, our favorite books, infidel, bestsellers, favorite books, dont miss this book, government, best books

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Comments: 15

Vivian P. Sep 7, 2007, 3:35pm EDT

Thanks I do intend on reading it

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~JOY ~bringing it 2 every1 she knows ;-) H. Sep 7, 2007, 4:25pm EDT

Let me know what you think of the book.
I finished it a few days ago, & cannot get it out my head yet!

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Christine Zibas Sep 8, 2007, 1:48am EDT

This sounds like a very interesting book; I'll have to put this on my "to read" list. Thanks for the review and calling attention to it.

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David C. Sep 8, 2007, 5:38am EDT

ditto that add to the to read list! sounds interesting, thanks.

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jackie s. Sep 9, 2007, 5:48pm EDT

Most informative

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Chris H. Sep 13, 2007, 11:13pm EDT

I don't think Ali's religion helped her. Her point was it made things even more difficult.
Only she knows how it felt there. I found this book reviting. I have learned to listen to your reviews on books Joy.
Every book you have told me about has been worth reading. (very worth reading)
What are reading now Joy?

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~JOY ~bringing it 2 every1 she knows ;-) H. Sep 14, 2007, 8:25pm EDT

Thanks so much for taking time to comment everyone

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~JOY ~bringing it 2 every1 she knows ;-) H. Sep 14, 2007, 8:28pm EDT

Kristin- That sounds very interesting. I am also hungry for information on the culture & heritage. I just finished another book, a memoir of a boy who grew up and travelled all over Africa. It was eye opening. I finished it in one night.

Chris- I will post a review on this book sometime over the weekend.
You'll love it!

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~JOY ~bringing it 2 every1 she knows ;-) H. Oct 10, 2007, 10:57pm EDT

Today at my local Border's this book is listed as workers choice of the week.

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Jennifer- Very lucky mommy S. Nov 24, 2007, 9:36am EST

good article

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Bethann K. Jan 14, 2008, 2:31pm EST

Thanks for the review. I haven't read the book yet, but I have a unique perspective on Ayaan Hirsi Ali. My husband is from the Netherlands, and he has all the facts from when she was elected into the Dutch government until she came to the USA. For those of you who don't know, Theo van Gogh (Dutch writer, commentator, movie director), was murdered because of his movie that he wrote with Hirsi Ali. The book is on my "to be read" list, so I look forward to reading it. From what I know of Hirsi Ali, I admire her courage. Thanks again for the review.

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Nora Davenport Sep 22, 2008, 8:32pm EDT

This sounds like a really fascinating book! I really do want to read it!

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Elizabeth V. Dec 13, 2008, 5:30pm EST

Funny. I added this book to my list yesterday after reading someone else recommending it. Her name is Joyce, and I almost always like what she recommends.

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