Rachel Pieh Jones

This was a powerful memoir, sure to move your heart with the story of a wonderful woman who did her best to change the world for the better. I think one of the things that really stuck out to me is Annalena went to Africa with one purpose in mind - to eradicate TB, without the backing of an organization or the intent to convert people to her own religion. She was truly a kind and caring soul, as evidenced by what those around her had to say about her and her own actions. If you're looking for a heart-warming biography, you've found your next read!… (más)

I received this book much later than expected and since I was busy, procrastinated about reading it. As it sat in a pile of books, I will admit that it hardly seemed worth the effort. In the meantime I had received a copy of the Koran and later a book about Islam, both times from Muslims. What could I learn from a book about Islam by a white eveangelical woman?

I underestimated this book. She writes as a friend and a person who has experienced cultures in which she is the minority and her own American culture in which she is not. She writes of her blunders such as a last minute stick fugure drawing meant to convert a grieving coworker when she should have instead consoled her.

Her writing is at times lively and the descriptions carry a quick pace that makes this readable. At times, I wish I weren't reading this from a Christian perspective. Perhaps a cowriting endeavor would have been best. For she does sometimes appropriate and make thin comparisons. But overall, Christians, especially conservative ones, will benefit from this book as an entry way to viewing Muslims as their neighbors rather than their enemies. I do not know if the right audience will read this. I certainly haven't seen it make a big splash in the media. But for those who do, this book stands a chance of opening hearts and minds and will hopefully lead the reader to next get to know Muslims from their own voices.… (más)