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reasonpassion's review against another edition
5.0
In the midst of so many ridiculous arguments concerning either Islam is all about terrorism or Islam has nothing to do with terrorism, comes this insightful exchange that threads between the two positions into a nuanced and expansive understanding of the issues. There is a respect here missing from the usual debates that should serve as a guide for future discussions. Nawaz and Harris do not solve the difficulties, if that is even possible, but they do provide the first steps in a journey that can see us all having a greater understanding of how to move forward in a way that is respectful even as it unequivocally continues to stand for the values of a pluralistic democratic society.
arthuraugustyn's review against another edition
2.0
I found Harris' points more compelling that Nawaz', but overall the book feels half-baked. Like the beginning of a conversation rather than an actual conversation. It seems like they realized the gravitas of their topic and rather than buckling down and seeking out to cover all of it, they decided to "stop here."
Maybe the book is a good introduction for people who know nothing about the topic, but for anyone who's read a single thing from either author, it's a redundant read.
Maybe the book is a good introduction for people who know nothing about the topic, but for anyone who's read a single thing from either author, it's a redundant read.
easage81's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
zalzale96's review against another edition
3.0
Engaging, but peripheral and too short for my taste. Never the less presents important content that need to be discussed openly and honesty.
beth_menendez's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent book, with excellent points. It's a book a lot of people need to read and hear. And then let it soak in, and reread it. It's definitely on my reread list. There was much for me to learn in this book (example, the difference between Islam and Islamism), especially so I can be an informed person and understand what is happening in the world around me. The back and forth conversation of this book make it interesting to read, as if you were sitting with the authors listening to the two of them. It was respectful, pleasant in tone to each other, and definitely a place where mutual understanding of another culture was being attempted.
It's a short read, for those worried about taking on a tome. I was able to listen to this book and it only took about 3.5 hours. There is so much good packed in those 3.5 hours.
The reason I did not give it 5 stars? I have a pretty good vocabulary. However, when I have to strain to remember my "college" vocabulary because the words used (while perfectly appropriate and did what they needed to do to convey ideas) were almost above me, I think the authors need to remember that the people who need this book most may not understand it because of the language used. I am hardly saying to dumb down the book. That would be ridiculous and insulting to everyone. However, one of the author's seemingly favorite words was "vacuous". It's not a bad word. It's just one that the average person may not know. Truly, this is my only complaint on this book. I am a little saddened by it simply because I think that it could have reached a wider audience had it not had this issue going.
It's a short read, for those worried about taking on a tome. I was able to listen to this book and it only took about 3.5 hours. There is so much good packed in those 3.5 hours.
The reason I did not give it 5 stars? I have a pretty good vocabulary. However, when I have to strain to remember my "college" vocabulary because the words used (while perfectly appropriate and did what they needed to do to convey ideas) were almost above me, I think the authors need to remember that the people who need this book most may not understand it because of the language used. I am hardly saying to dumb down the book. That would be ridiculous and insulting to everyone. However, one of the author's seemingly favorite words was "vacuous". It's not a bad word. It's just one that the average person may not know. Truly, this is my only complaint on this book. I am a little saddened by it simply because I think that it could have reached a wider audience had it not had this issue going.
quasar728's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
ryndolyn's review against another edition
3.0
Nawaz brought a lot of new insights I never thought of. His voice was very eloquent and felt unbiased yet educated. Harris, however, presented a very aggressive approach to the conversation. Everything that Nawaz said, Harris would rebutt somewhat rudely. Nawaz never got defensive which I commend him for.
I expected a balanced dialogue and Harris got in the way of that.
I expected a balanced dialogue and Harris got in the way of that.