In the Name of God

            Paula Jolin’s In the Name of God is a powerful book. I like how she wrote the story from the perspective of a devout Muslim. It is no secret that in this day and age, it is difficult to be Muslim. There are a lot of prejudices against that religion, and I appreciate her bravery to tell the other side of the battle against the United States. Obviously Muslims are as passionate about their beliefs as Americans, otherwise there would not be this war. It was very interesting to read how Nadia progressed from simply being devout in her religion, to being an extremist. I feel like that is how most extremists are created, by charismatic people taking advantage of naïve people. Jolin’s novel is a great way to show young readers the danger of getting caught up in your own opinion, without allowing yourself to see other points of view, to be willing to understand others. Nadia ends up pushing her family away, and almost commits the worst mortal sin. Thankfully, her brother’s appearance at the hotel shocks Nadia enough to make her open her eyes, and realize the horror of her situation.

            I think this book could be a difficult sell to my young readers. While the message is good, it is not the most exciting story. The story is full of uncertainty, angst, confusion, and anger, which all of my seventh graders experience, but the plot is slow. There are a few scenes, like when Fowzi gets taken, that are suspenseful and intriguing, but for the most part, this is a story about Nadia’s battle with herself. The ending, while very happy, seems so unfinished. Nadia is being led out of a hotel with a bomb strapped to her body, wouldn’t her brother feel that? And what exactly did she do with the bomb? Considering that I felt jilted at the end, I know my seventh graders would throw a fit.