A very interesting read on the mid-1990's world of Islamic women has emerged. It provides valuable insights, especially when considering what has been happening in the years since and today. The situation of Islamic women has likely evolved and changed in various ways. It would be truly compelling to see a follow-up study that compares the then and the now. Such a comparison could shed light on the progress made, the challenges still faced, and the different aspects that have come to the fore. It would offer a more comprehensive understanding of the journey of Islamic women over this time period. By examining the similarities and differences, we can gain a better appreciation of the complex and dynamic nature of their experiences. This could also lead to a more informed dialogue and potentially inspire actions and initiatives to further support and empower Islamic women in the present and future.

Hmm... Personally, it always makes me uncomfortable when an outsider criticizes and analyzes a religion that is not their own. There are plenty of people from Muslim countries who are severely critical of their own culture and write about it. When someone from the West does so, it always seems condescending, even when they attempt to be objective.

This book was written in the 90s. So, while not all the information is necessarily outdated, it's definitely not current. This was also the time when I was frequently traveling to the Middle East and reading a great deal about the region. Thus, there was really nothing new in it regarding the religion, history, or culture that I didn't already know. Of course, what was different were our personal experiences. I was traveling to countries that were stable at that time, such as Egypt, Yemen, Turkey, and Morocco, and my experiences were overwhelmingly positive. I never traveled to the trouble spots like Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Iraq.

I did really enjoy the chapter set in Cairo where the author wants to learn to dance, finds a teacher, buys a costume, and finally performs in the lowest of the low-class nightclubs to make a statement about the treatment of dancers. It made me laugh!

All in all, this book might be an interesting read for those who have never been to the region. However, for those many Westerners who are already biased towards that part of the world, it would only further confirm all their negative feelings. What makes me so sad is that as I write this in 2014, the situation is worse than ever, with ISIS making the Ayatollahs of Iran seem moderate in comparison!

I do wholeheartedly agree with her assertion that the real villain has been Saudi Arabia (the government and not necessarily the people themselves) all along, and it is time for Western countries to accept this.

Although this book was truly well-written, I am tired of reading books "about" the Middle East or Islam from Western authors (except for memoirs). If I am going to read any more books on the subject, I would rather read authors from the countries of origin.

I recently came across a book that I found extremely interesting. It was filled with captivating stories and unique perspectives that truly engaged me. As I was reading, I couldn't help but wonder what the author's thoughts and opinions would be now, 20 years after the book was written.

Time has a way of changing people's views and experiences, and I'm curious to know if the author's stance on the various topics discussed in the book has evolved. Have their personal growth and the events that have occurred over the past two decades influenced their original ideas?

I would love to have a conversation with the author and gain insights into their current thinking. It would be fascinating to compare their present views with those expressed in the book and see how they have developed. Maybe there are new perspectives or additional insights that they can share, which could further enhance my understanding of the subject matter.

I want to give this 3 stars instead.

The reason is that it is dated and often rather condescending. However, despite these flaws, I am still glad that I read it.

Through reading this, I have actually learned a great deal.

It is interesting to note that even though the content may seem a bit outdated and the tone somewhat condescending, there are still valuable lessons and insights to be gained.

It makes me realize that sometimes, even in works that may not be perfect, there can be hidden gems of knowledge waiting to be discovered.

So, while I may not rate it as highly as some other works, I do appreciate the learning experience it has provided me.