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abaugher's review
5.0
Amazing, coherent, outspoken views on Islam from someone born into the Islamic cultural and religious mindset. But her father insisted on his children learning to read, and thus she was able to explore--to some extent--worlds beyond her own by reading books. Her mind was set on fire with individual thinking, and she became aware of her situation as intolerable. She changed her own world, going to live in a different country, learning a new language and a very different way of life.
I am eager to read her other books to see how her life has continued, especially considering her message: to reform Islam, to give Islamic women a better choice, to get people thinking; and because of the ridiculously enraged death threats she has been receiving since her opinion first went to press.
I am eager to read her other books to see how her life has continued, especially considering her message: to reform Islam, to give Islamic women a better choice, to get people thinking; and because of the ridiculously enraged death threats she has been receiving since her opinion first went to press.
bananabreanna's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
I am not basing my review on whether or not I agree with the author's viewpoints on her former culture or religion because I don't feel in any way qualified to make those judgments having no firsthand experience of either. Rather, my rating of this book is based entirely on what the book is: an autobiography of a woman who has led an incredible life thus far. Ayaan Hirsi Ali has endured more and overcome more than most of us can even think of, let alone actually live through. It was a very interesting and thought-provoking book, and I am glad to have heard her story.
yarafadel's review
4.0
Holy **** I just finished this book that I was not able to put down since I started a few weeks ago. Ayaan was able to put into words all I had felt when I was in my late teen having an existential crisis as a liberal Muslim who was suddenly questioning Allah and Islam and where she fit in the equation, and how was I supposed to balance the true fundamentals of Islam while also being the liberal person I am - I never even questioned LGBTQIA+ rights, Muslim or not, never questioned women rights, etc. Ayaan is the definition of a bad*ss woman who went out there and shook the world with her radical voice that in reality is the voice of reason and the needed update any Muslim needs to hear. I learned so much from the first half of the book, while the second half spoke to me personally. I saw myself in her which is something I barely see anywhere. What an inspiration. I highly recommend this book especially to Muslims everywhere.
travelingkayte's review
5.0
What an amazing read. She is truly an inspiring person who makes the world a better place for speaking up for what she believes. I recommend this book to anyone who hopes to leave the world a little better.
kamkanga's review
5.0
An interesting take from a woman who was born and raised Muslim, about how the religion is not one of peace. I don't know that I agree fully, but it was definitely eye-opening to see her perspective on it.
bkclub4one's review
5.0
Reality is not easy, but all this make-believe doesn’t make it easier.
Infidel is a book based on the life of the author. Her experiences, the difficult times she faced and the countries she lived in as a child.
The book highlights the author's struggle when it came to her religion up until when she moves to Holland where she finally finds her way and the freedom she had been searching for. However matters religion still haunt her as her life becomes endangered because of her views on Islam.
There is more to this book but you just have to read it to find out.
For me infidel was a brilliant and emotional read. Not just because of its content but the fact that someone was bold enough to write it and tell this story.
Personally l recognized a lot of what she wrote because l live in one of the countries written in her book and the things she speaks of, especially concerning women are still happening even today.
This book is an eye opener and makes you think more about what you believe in and whether you can be able to stand up to them in the way Ayaan did.
This book is a definite must read for me and l highly recommend it for those who believe in change in the ways of thinking in matters of religion, human rights and politics.
cjsharek's review
4.0
Wow! What I didn't know about Somalia and Female Circumcision is A LOT! This book is not for the faint of heart.
jasperburns's review
5.0
View my best reviews and a collection of mental models at jasperburns.blog.