Title: In the name of God
Author: Paula Jolin
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (April 3, 2007)
Source: Library
Setting: Damascus (Syria)
Rating: 4.75 out of 5
My Thoughts:
In the name of God was a very unusual book. It’s how a 17 year old girl, Nadia, turns from being a devout Muslim to a fanatic. It makes us realize that there is a very thin line between the very religious and the fanatic if there are people who know how to exploit it.
Nadia lives in Damascus, Syria with her mother and brother. Nadia just wants to walk the path of God, do whatever he asks and be a good Muslim. But when the conditions in Syria worsen, the conflicts between the Muslims and the Syrian Government are on the rise and American Bombs are attacking the neighboring countries, Nadia is forced to direct her devotion on a path that she thinks will take her directly to heaven.
In the name of God gives us a good insight into how a transformation like this can occur and how people are ready to do anything for religion.
There were some of the arguments that I had to agree made sense. I had to agree with Nadia’s point of view at times. But sometimes, even if I did understand I did not agree with her.
This book could work both ways actually. It could be a great read for American teens to see the world from others eyes. I would like to think most of them already know the consequences of the war but this book would give them an experience of being on the other side of the fence.
On the other hand, I hate to say this, but this book could feed into the psyche of someone who is already on the path of being a fanatic because the arguments in this book are good on both sides. But as we all know, people see what they want to. I just hope what I’m saying is wrong because this book is good and deserves a wider readership.
One more thing, it’s a YA book but I don’t know what else can be called a cross over, if not this.
Note: You need to know the basics of Syrian history. Just Google a bit and you’re set to go.
VIOLET CRUSH 
Wow, this is a YA book? The content discusses some very deep issues. Thanks for the review, Violet.
Looks really intense even for YA . . You have given well thought out and an unbiased review for this one ..If I find this book , I am surely gonna read it .
Wow, this sounds very intense and very important. Thanks for your review.
From:Mrs.ANITA TANCO
My Dear,
I am Mrs ANITA TANCO Anthony from Solomon Island but now undergoing medical treatment now in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire West Africa. I am married to Late Mr.Anthony .C. Samuel who worked with Malasyia embassy here in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire for twelve years before he died in the year 2002.We were married for fifteen
years without a child.He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were both born again Christians.Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $9.5Million (nine Million Five hundred thousand U.S.Dollars) in a bank here in
Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire,presently this money is still in the bank’s bequest suspence account where it was being deposited by my late husband.Recently after my previous clinical check up,my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next ten months due to cancer problem.Though what disturbs me most is my stroke.Having known my condition I decided to donate this money to church or a better Christian individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct him or her,I want a church or individual that will use these money to help churches, orphanages and widows propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained.
Itook this decision because I don’t have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don’t want my husband’s hard earned money to be misused by unbelievers.Idon’t want a situation whereby this money will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord.Exodus 14 VS 14 says that the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I don’t need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health, and becaus e of the presence of my husband’s relatives around me always.
I don’t want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible.As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the bank here in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire where the money is being deposited. Iwant you and the church to always pray for me because the lord is my shepherd.My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian.Whoever that wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.Any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing for a church or Christian individual for this same purpose.Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I dvised.You can email me in this Address,(mrstanco1@yahoo.fr) Hoping to hear from you and wishing Remain blessed in
the name of the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Mrs.ANITA TANCO
I agree that it sounds pretty ntense for a YA book. Sounds like it does a great job of showing both sides.
I think teenagers are particularly susceptible to fanaticism, or at least some of them are. This sounds like a very important book, but also a bit threatening–like something some American Christian group would immediately want to ban.
Nah…I don’t think there is anything an American Christian group would want to ban because the book does not bash any side, neither the American, nor the Muslim.
It does seem like something teens should read, but like you said, it can work both ways. Sometimes, even if it is really angering, I think teens (and adults) need to see what it’s like on the other side even if they disagree whole heartedly and the material makes them even more uproarious. Hopefully through seeing what the other side believes whether it be about social topics or war, they will be able to make coherent, logical, and informed arguments rather than hate filled, fanatical ones.
Great review.
Wow, this sounds like a very thought-provoking book.
I think this is something I’d really like to read. I’m an Atheist and, while I do believe everyone’s entitled to believe in what they wish, I think it’s so importan to keep religion away from state. I look at our ex-prime minister, Tony Blair, who only came out about his Catholicism once he’d left office. In America the majority of the country’s population can’t even tolerate the idea that they’d have an atheist president.
This sounds really interesting!