If I Should Speak

Rating:
Summary: Informative
Review: In John 8:58 Jesus Christ says, "Before Abraham was, I am." For this statement the Pharisees present in the temple took up stones to stone Jesus, but he hid himself and passed "through the midst of them." Statements such as these are exactly why Christ was crucified. The Christian character presented by Umm Zakiyyah in this book apparently was not familiar with such scriptures and is quickly persuaded that Jesus Christ is indeed just a man and that worship of him violates the admonition to "worship God alone." As a Christian, I find this book truly informative of the mind set behind Islamic conversions in the USA. I highly recommend another truly informative reading penned by a former professor of Islam at Al-Azhar in Cairo. The book is ISLAM AND TERRORISM by Dr. Mark A. Gabriel.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Wonderful!
Review: Being a writer myself, I personally feel that the writing style and creative mind of Umm Zakiyyah has captured the heart of young and old audiences alike. The creative way that she pointed out the real life situation was captivating. Umm Zakiyyah is creative, artistic, intense, intelligent and very imaginative. Her talent, if continuously utilized, will truly blossom. I am looking forward to reading more of her work some day. Hopefully soon.

Rating:
Summary: A heart moving, eye opening story
Review: I actually just happen to pick this book up from a friend and began to read it by chance just wanting to know what it was really about. I found my self pulled into it more and more every page i read as i read on. I was really shocked at how good it really was. The characters are vivid and seemed to me as if i really knew them and i grew attached to them. I espicially grew attached to Durrah hope for her success in her struggles through the book. I evently spent the whole night reading the entire book for i could'nt bare to put it down not knowing what was next in store for my new friends.
I honestly think this book is outstanding and portrayed ideas, events, and actions that happen to many who have expierenced college life. I think this book shocked me and grabbed me to contemplate life and remember many things. I urge you to not miss out and to read this outstanding story as soon as you can.
I only hope there is a sequel somehow, or that more great life touching and moving stories as this one are to come from the author.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent--For Muslims and Non-Muslims Alike
Review: I really enjoyed this book! It speaks to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike and is a truly easy read. It makes one re-examine one's life and one's religion. I would recommend it to both non-Muslims who may be interested in Islam, Muslims strong in their deen, and Muslims who may have gotten a bit slack with their Islam. Each will find a character they can relate to. The book reminded me of some of the Christian fiction that does such a good job at both telling a story and sharing faith. There needs to be more books like this by Muslim authors.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent--For Muslims and Non-Muslims Alike
Review: I really enjoyed this book! It speaks to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike and is a truly easy read. It makes one re-examine one's life and one's religion. I would recommend it to both non-Muslims who may be interested in Islam, Muslims strong in their deen, and Muslims who may have gotten a bit slack with their Islam. Each will find a character they can relate to. The book reminded me of some of the Christian fiction that does such a good job at both telling a story and sharing faith. There needs to be more books like this by Muslim authors.

Rating:
Summary: A Reflection and a Reminder
Review: I really loved this book. It was given to me by a friend a few months back. I got it on Thur. and finished it Sat. morning. I stayed up all night reading the book, hardly able to stay awake during the day. Since I am Muslim, the story remembed me a lot of myself. And I could relate to both Ameenah and Tamika. The questions Tamika had when she started her spiritual/soul search, and also Ameenah's after my conversion, and my wanting to help others understand the role of the Muslim woman, as well as Islam. I would recommend this book to both Muslim and non-Muslim. I also was able to met the sister who wrote the book, since she lives in my community, and I told her how much this book touched me. I really really love this book, so much so I read it twice.

Rating:
Summary: A Great and Fair Representation of American Muslim Youth
Review: I recommend this novel to both non Muslims and Muslims alike. Umm Zakiyyah's book tackled the intricate lives of American Muslim youth and Islam with eloquence and clarity. I enjoyed every page and couldnt put it down until I finished, Maasha'Allah. I hope Umm Zakiyyah continues to write, as she has a much needed voice in the Muslim Ummah.

Rating:
Summary: Finally Muslim Fiction!!!!
Review: I was so excited to read this book. It was the first muslim fiction novel i had ever written, and hopefully it will not be my last since the sequel is due to come out soon. :) The only problem I had with this book is I felt that towards the end to much of the book was quoting either the Qu'ran or other books on Islam instead of telling the story. Later, after talking to the author I realized that she did this so that certain things could be explained to non-muslims. I finished it in one night and I have since read it twice. I even hosted the author for our book club meeting and was soo pleased to hear her personal thoughts on the book and the surprise ending. :)

Rating:
Summary: A unique and surprising novel
Review: If I Should Speak accomplishes something few page-turning novels do: it addresses serious theological and spiritual questions as well as being fun to read. The novel presents a college student's (Tamika's) struggle with her faith without ever trivializing either the beliefs Tamika grew up with or the new faith she is discovering. Christianity and Islam are presented and contrasted at appropriate moments throughout the novel, as Tamika considers and questions her faith. The author's explanations are knowledgeable and go much farther beyond the typical "canned" answers given to religious questions. I found these discussions to be the most interesting and thought-provoking parts of the novel.
Umm Zakiyyah has clearly done her research and I look forward to her next book.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Spiritual Novel I've Ever Read
Review: It's not everyday you get to read a novel that deals with the spiritual issues spurred by Christians and Muslims living together. The characters in If I Should Speak represent what people *really* go through. This book is one I couldn't put down. It was so real for me. It was both spiritually challenging and enlightening to me. Tamika really brings to life the feelings of a Christian living in a society with Muslims. I can completely relate to her! I was talking to another person who read it and she stayed up all night reading this book. That is just how powerful it is. I honestly have never read a book like this in my life. This is definitely the best spiritual novel I've ever read.