Burqas, Baseball, and Apple Pie: Being Muslim in America

Ranya Tabari Idliby's name didn't ring a bell initially, but as soon as I began reading I was reintroduced to Idliby, one of the author's of The Faith Club: a Muslim, A Christian, a Jew - Three Women Search For Understanding.

I read The Faith Club when it was first published, as Idliby and these two other women worked together to learn more about the faiths that they have, and how they are similar in a post 9/11 world.  I learned some interesting things about their beliefs, and appreciated that these three ladies worked together to explore their beliefs, trying to remain honest and open to the feelings of others. 

Idliby's latest book, Burqas, Baseball and Apple Pie: Being Muslim in America was in my mind at least, a continuation of The Faith Club.  As a reader who was already familiar with the content she writes about, I was already familiar with Idliby's struggles as a Muslim American.  She does do a nice job of helping others understand her Muslim faith and also raises awareness of what it means to be Muslim and American - something she is helping her children with as they navigate this tricky identity. Although Muslims seem to spark hostility after 9/11, Idliby is a great advocate for Muslim Americans, and helps others see this group as people much like themselves.