Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner

I just finished this book a couple of days ago. Not quite sure where to start with it.

My mom recently joined a Book Club- she seems to enjoy it greatly. Some of the books she is reading are on my "to read" list; some I have never heard of. She had to read Faith Club and she loved it, raved about it.

I, unfortunately, didn't like the book as much as she did. In fact, I really didn't like this book at all. Well, maybe that isn't true- I probably would have loved this book at a different point in time. But I am not there anymore.

This book follows three strangers (who turn into best friends) as they journey to a better understanding of each of their religions. They all live in and around New York City, and were there after Sept 11th. Ranya is a Muslim American who greatly struggled with her identity after 9-11. When her daughter (in K at the time) started asking questions about being a Muslim American she decided to write a children's book attempting to show how all three religions tied together. Problem: she didn't necessarily know much.

She recruited a mom in her daughter's K class to help her; Suzanne is the Christian. Through their extended network they found Priscilla, who is Jewish. Together they set out to write the children's book- instead they wrote this memoir. It is about their struggle to fit together, to find common ground, and to be educated.

The premise sounds great. I think interfaith dialogue is key in this world. I appreciate they wanted to do that.

The part I didn't like? It is obvious each of these women come from the liberal spectrum's of their religions. At times they each make concessions that I would personally argue take away from each religion. But then again... in this book I may be one of the "close-minded" Christians they are talking about. And, I am ok with that. I disagree with the liberal theology found in this book and would argue that for Christians is HUGE part of our religion... and the Bible clearly states the only way to heaven is through Him. I think that is what bothered my through out the book- I never could agree with the theology each one was using (most of it Universalist in my opinion). It was easy to read- and again, the premise sounds good. Just not my cup of tea, if you will.

I would say pick this book up if it sounds interesting to you... but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone.