There are so many tales missing in the world; consequently we need more storytellers to tell them. No one woman can speak for all Muslim women - for that rich and varied tapestry of experiences, practice, belief and way of being. We need as many stories and storytellers as there are people, a greater cacophony of diverse voices and views, and listeners who welcome them.

It's Not About the Burqa is hands-down one of the most thought-provoking and powerful pieces of non-fiction I've ever read. For those not aware, the book is a collection of essays written by Muslim women who talk about their lives, their identity, their faith, their family, societal pressures and many other things. The women who contributed to the book are from a variety of different backgrounds covering many different nationalities (and many being of dual heritage as they were born and raised in different places), different career paths, family structures and this really reflects the diversity of the Muslim community.

This book made me question my own views, question society and look at any biases I may have had without even realising. I cannot begin to unpick the whole of this book or begin to explain the stories these women tell in any coherent way that can offer true justice to their words and voices. On that basis, I encourage you that if you only read one or two non-fiction books this year you make it one of them. However, there were three messages of this book that stood out to me and that I think are important points to think about.

The first point that felt so poignant was that these women have been identified based on their faith alone. They are perceived as Muslim women first and foremost; there is no concern for their personality, their intelligence, their humour, their kindness, their talents or their life experiences. These women have been reduced to a faceless image of a woman in a burqa because that is all that is associated with women who are Muslim. The world has become blind to the talents of these women. As somebody that doesn't follow a religion, but one who entirely respects and at times envies the faith and relationship people develop with their God, I have never experienced being reduced to my faith. I have been privileged to not experience that, but it made me feel such pain that these women would not be given an opportunity because of their faith. That they were regarded or dismissed as being oppressed or unintelligent because of their faith. We have judged these women before they have been able to share their story and that is unforgiveable.

The second point that is highly connected with how these women are identified is how much these women have struggled and in many circumstances been ostracised because of their faith. They have been branded terrorist and outcasts for the actions of a minority in the Muslim community. It feels so important that we do not ignore and do not allow this behaviour to continue. It feels particularly relevant in the UK as Islamphobia is on the rise following the Brexit vote and the fact that our Prime Minister has been openly racist and Islamaphobic comparing Muslim women to letterboxes. How we can allow ourselves to be governed and led by a man that is allowed to behave in this manner without retribution is a sign of how far from equality and acceptance society is. These women talk about how the Quran gives equal rights to women, how women have rights to divorce and Islam makes that much easier for women than men. The story of Khadija, who is known to Muslims as the Mother of Believers and the Prophet's first wife was a powerful one. She was a successful businesswoman and one of the wealthiest merchants in Mecca. She was celebrated for her wealth, for her talent and she was not reliant on a man. This story is a triumph in female rights and independence and shows how Islam as a religion is not about the oppression of women.

Despite this, the most inspiring part of this book was the strength and resilience these women showed. These women are shining role models, not just to young Muslim women but for all women. These women care so deeply, they are passionate about their rights, about equality, about success. They are working to make a difference as they work to change laws, work in academia, become lawyers and engineers, raises awareness about mental health, publish books and articles as journalists and writers. These women are so much more than their faith, but it is their relationship with their faith that is so strong and beautiful to read about. Their faith has helped them through difficult times, although at times its clear they felt it caused difficulties for them too. However, the fact that these women have triumphed and become such shining symbols of female strength in the face of even greater adversity and oppression is so inspiring, and so, so moving.

I cannot begin to share how much this book has made me think, feel and want to scream in anger for these women. It was an absolutely beautiful and thought-provoking read and every one of these women is an absolute inspiration.

Disclaimer: Arc provided via NetGalley.