*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

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I feel really weird giving this book three stars because it was absolutely lovely, and I would recommend it to many, it just wasn’t four stars for me. Don’t discount this small but mighty memoir however, because the writing is beautiful, and the message is wonderful. Ghobash writes in a series of letters to his son, about Islam and it’s relation to the world, and all of the things he’s learned. What I really loved about this book is that there wasn’t any hesitation in addressing the big topics, and really talking about them with his son. Why organizations like ISIS happen is a really important topic in our world, and especially why they’re bringing Muslims in. Ghobash addresses this phenomenally, in a way that I’m sure his son feels is personal, but also so very explanatory to those of us who aren’t part of that faith, or even part of that culture.

This book is a very quick read, one you could easily do in one sitting, and it would absolutely be worth your time. Parts of it made me feel like an outsider because I didn’t always know what he was referencing, but this book really wasn’t for me, so I understand why that was. I really loved the quote “I used to think that answers being black or white was a blessing. But after awhile they seem inadequate” because it’s so true at least for me. That’s one thing I really loved about this book, there were so many universal truths that one could apply.

I picked this book up the day of the Muslim ban here in the US. I want my voice to be a voice of love, not hate, and one of tolerance. I wanted to learn more about the Muslim faith which is why I requested this book in the first place. Either way, I’m so grateful for Picador for this review copy, and will absolutely be recommending to people!