After 9/11, many books were published about America's
relationship with the Muslim world. Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran are in
the news daily, and it is clear that there is a lot most of us do not
know about the history, culture and religion of these countries.
Fortunately, there is a way to learn more about Islam, and Islamic
countries' relationships with America, without reading dry, political
books. These books on Islam and America are informative, but read like
good novels.
'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini
Riverhead
The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini is a gripping, page-turning fiction novel about a
boy in Afghanistan who moves to America in the 1980s and how a haunting
incident from his childhood draws him back to the country as an adult
despite the dangers of the Taliban. This is a must read! The Kite Runner is great for learning about Afghanistan.
- Read a complete review of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- The Kite Runner Book Club Discussion Questions
'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini
Riverhead
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is superbly written, has a page-turning story, and will help you learn more about Afghanistan. In his follow up novel to The Kite Runner,
Hosseini has once again created a heartbreaking masterpiece that
connects readers with life in Afghanistan over the past several decades
and highlights the common hopes, dreams and struggles that make us
human.
- Read a complete review of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
- A Thousand Splendid Suns Book Club Discussion Questions
'Three Cups of Tea' by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
Penguin
Three Cups of Tea
is the true story of Greg Mortenson's adventures building schools in
remote Northern Pakistan. It is an inspirational nonfiction book and a
great way to learn more about Islam. Three Cups of Tea is great for learning about Pakistan.
- Read a complete review of Three Cups of Tea
- Three Cups of Tea Book Club Discussion Questions
'Reading Lolita in Tehran' by Azar Nafisi
Random House
Reading Lolita in Tehran
by Azar Nafisi is the true story of an underground women's book club in
Iran. Part literary criticism, part history of the Islamic Revolution, Reading Lolita in Tehran
will especially appeal to book clubs and readers who will understand
comparisons between the novels the women read and the situation in Iran.
Reading Lolita in Tehran is great for learning about Iran.
'Terrorist' by John Updike
Knopf
Terrorist by John Updike is a novel about an 18-year-old boy in NJ who is recruited to take part in a terrorist attack. In Terrorist, Updike imagines how an Islamic fundamentalist sees America. Terrorist is great for thinking about Islamic fundamentalism.
- Read a complete review of Terrorist by John Updike
- Terrorist Book Club Discussion Questions
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