I just finished reading The Faith Club.

Plot, in a nutshell: After 9/11, a Muslim mom, a Christian mom and a Jewish mom decided to write a children’s book about their religions. During their first few meetings, each woman realizes she has her own issues with her own religon. Instead of doing what the rest of us would do (”Screw you, you self-centered judgmental witch!” [door slam]) they tough it out, open up a dialog, and grow a friendship in the process.

I wanted to quit the book almost immediately because I was uncomfortable with how Priscilla (Jewish mom) wanted Suzanne (Christian mom) to leave the story of the crucifixion out of the Pentecost story because she felt it was Anti-Semitic. That just bugged the hell out of me, so I put the book down, not intending to finish it.

But because I have little to no willpower I picked it back up again the next night before bed. I’m so glad I did. I really got to like Priscilla, Suzanne and Ranya (the Muslim mom) and I found myself identifying with each of them as they struggled with various elements of their faith. I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and learned more about Islam than I was ever taught in school or by the media. (Sad, yes?)

I don’t think the children’s book was ever written, and I really wish the authors would do just that.

Posted at: 6:43 pm in General, Play Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Tags: books,religion