Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (Persepolis, #1) by Marjane Satrapi

 Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (Persepolis, #1) by Marjane Satrapi-153 pages

This is the story of Marjane Satrapi and her childhood in Iran. She grew up during the Iranian Revolution (aka the Islamic Revolution) of 1978-1979. A couple of years later Iran and Iraq were at war. Atrocities abounded both during and after the Iranian Revolution. The regime installed after the revolution was an extremely repressive Islamic government. Veils now had to be worn and worn properly by women. Parties, playing cards, tapes, records, and the like were banned. Men were encouraged to grow long beards and to never wear ties. Anyone found in violation of these new rules could be arrested and executed. Both Marjane and her mother had scary run-ins with patrols on behalf of the regime. Many died both during the revolution and the subsequent war and Marjane saw some of it first-hand. Bombings were frequent during the war. When Marjane turned fourteen, her parents sent her to Vienna, Austria to attend a French school (she had attended French schools in Tehran, Iran) out of concern for her safety in Iran. I didn't know much about the Iranian Revolution or the history of Iran before reading this graphic novel, but I learned quite a bit from reading this. It's not necessarily an enjoyable read, but it is an important read. 

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi -- 296 pages


Nabeel explains the difference between an eastern mindset and a western mindset. It may be hard for us to full comprehend here in the west just how fully those in the east rely on their elders and those in authority. For first generation eastern immigrants in the US, it is very hard to connect with those here, because our thinking is just so foreign. For second generation eastern immigrants, it is very hard to continue in their parents' ways when the western world tells them not to rely on authority, but to examine the evidence themselves.
That's what Nabeel was finally confronted with, the challenge to examine his own beloved faith and find out for himself just what he believed.
The journey costed him everything, but it also gained him happiness he had never dreamed of.
His story is incredible as well as very enlightening. I listened to it within days and hung on to every word. I'd recommend this book to anyone.

Worlds at War: The 2,500-Year struggle between East and West

Worlds at War: The 2,500-Year Struggle Between East and West

By Anthony Pagden

625 pages

The author begins in antiquity, with the conflict between Greece and the Persian Empire, and basically ended the publication with the conflict between America and Saddam Hussein.  The author expressed his thoughts that the conflict was not cultural but strictly religious.  According to Pagden, both the West (Christianity) and the East (Islam) contributed to the conflict.