Scan barcode
codyisreading's review against another edition
4.0
What a fascinating, thrilling, human story. Tamer Elnoury (nom de guerre) is an undercover FBI agent still actively working for the in a counter-terrorism unit. As an Egyptian-American Muslim, he provides a unique perspective in his work to thwart would-be terrorists. His ability to speak Arabic, his understanding of Islam and his heritage prove enhance his infiltration of terror cells operating in the United States and Canada.
The primary case in this book covers his attempts and success at stopping a train derailment in Canada. For all the technology we have available to us today to fight terrorism, one thing Elnoury comes back to is good old fashioned undercover work: keep your eyes and ears open, and keep records of everything.
The most affecting part of the book for me was to hear him speak about how radical Islam seeks to pervert the religion he holds dear. As a practicing Muslim, a secondary (and ultimately personal) aspect of Elnoury's undercover work is to expose extremists in relation to millions of peaceful, devout Muslims. He cites numerous passages in the Quran that demonstrate's Allah's commandments to be gracious, extend peace, and live a harmonious life.
Too often the phrase "radical Islam" is used as a blanket term and more often than that, it's used to denigrate the entirety of Islam's adherents. Elnoury doesn't shy away from the phrase though, believing it's important to acknowledge the radical minority as a foil to peaceful, religious Muslims.
It's the kind of perspective only an insider can provide. Even listening to Elnoury detail just how different the radical pockets are in their goals/beliefs was fascinating. The Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, the Mujahidin Shura Council...all these groups have different ideologies and tactics, and do not necessarily agree on everything. Elnoury argues that to defeat one's enemy, you must understand them. In order to combat extremism, we need to welcome those into the United States that can and want to help, and simultaneously gain a deeper understanding of the nuances in radical Islam.
I highly recommend this book, as it read like a thriller but with a compassionate, human story driving everything behind the scenes. It was a fascinating peek into counter-terrorism and one man's attempt to smash preconceived notions about the religion that shaped him and millions around the globe.
The primary case in this book covers his attempts and success at stopping a train derailment in Canada. For all the technology we have available to us today to fight terrorism, one thing Elnoury comes back to is good old fashioned undercover work: keep your eyes and ears open, and keep records of everything.
The most affecting part of the book for me was to hear him speak about how radical Islam seeks to pervert the religion he holds dear. As a practicing Muslim, a secondary (and ultimately personal) aspect of Elnoury's undercover work is to expose extremists in relation to millions of peaceful, devout Muslims. He cites numerous passages in the Quran that demonstrate's Allah's commandments to be gracious, extend peace, and live a harmonious life.
Too often the phrase "radical Islam" is used as a blanket term and more often than that, it's used to denigrate the entirety of Islam's adherents. Elnoury doesn't shy away from the phrase though, believing it's important to acknowledge the radical minority as a foil to peaceful, religious Muslims.
It's the kind of perspective only an insider can provide. Even listening to Elnoury detail just how different the radical pockets are in their goals/beliefs was fascinating. The Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, the Mujahidin Shura Council...all these groups have different ideologies and tactics, and do not necessarily agree on everything. Elnoury argues that to defeat one's enemy, you must understand them. In order to combat extremism, we need to welcome those into the United States that can and want to help, and simultaneously gain a deeper understanding of the nuances in radical Islam.
I highly recommend this book, as it read like a thriller but with a compassionate, human story driving everything behind the scenes. It was a fascinating peek into counter-terrorism and one man's attempt to smash preconceived notions about the religion that shaped him and millions around the globe.
paperandpentup's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I liked and respected the author a lot, but it’s just too dialogue heavy and bogged down by facts that are only included because they happened, it because they are interesting. If this was fiction, at least half would have been chopped.
His career: 5/5. The editing, not so much.
His career: 5/5. The editing, not so much.
pr727's review against another edition
3.0
His experiences working drug dealer investigations moved along; the telling of the terrorist plot was slow. Thanks goodness for cracking that case, though!
cdeck's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliantly engaging story. Narrative is gripping and the writing was really well done.
bswindle71's review against another edition
4.0
It was a very good story from a FBI agent who foiled a terror plot. He is Muslim and sugar coats the teaching of the Quran and Muhammed. He quotes only part of Sura 5:32, which most Muslim's do, to defend Islam to show that it is a peaceful religion. It is taken out of context and of course he doesn't use Sura 5:33 which is the verse right after. If anyone wants to actually know the truth please read both verses in their entirety and you will get a different perspective.
nelsta's review against another edition
5.0
Often times I settle for the audiobook version of a book because I have so little time to read physical books. In this case, I appreciated the narration because the narrator was so superb. His pronunciation of Arabic words was incredible.
The book itself was great. It was a riveting story about the FBI and RCMP’s endeavor to stop a radical Islamic terrorist attack on US and Canadian citizens. The author, who goes by Tamer Elnoury, is Islamic and stresses that point often. As a student of the Middle East and Islam, I appreciated his dedication to pointing out the great differences between Islam and radical Islam. His book is an excellent counterpoint to the fear, distrust, and anger that many misguided Americans (and others) feel. Not only is this book a good story, it’s also a wonderful educational opportunity.
The book itself was great. It was a riveting story about the FBI and RCMP’s endeavor to stop a radical Islamic terrorist attack on US and Canadian citizens. The author, who goes by Tamer Elnoury, is Islamic and stresses that point often. As a student of the Middle East and Islam, I appreciated his dedication to pointing out the great differences between Islam and radical Islam. His book is an excellent counterpoint to the fear, distrust, and anger that many misguided Americans (and others) feel. Not only is this book a good story, it’s also a wonderful educational opportunity.
catgood's review
5.0
Fascinating! I first hear about this book on the podcast “Pod Save the World” where the author was interviewed. The detail in this book is great and the look into the life of an undercover FBI agent is so interesting. I also feel like I learned a lot about true Islam, not just radical Islam, and I commend the author for being able to hold true to his beliefs and still do his job.