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Superb work! 2010-07-13

Reviewer: S. Khan

Reza Aslan has done what very few have been able to do before. He has made it possible for a common person to understand some of the intricacies of the great Islamic Civilization spanning a millenium and half. This is one of those books that I literally did not want to end.

If you want to understand the Islamic world in the context of the west, please read this book carefully.

Interesting But Won't Bear Much Fruit 2010-06-04

Reviewer: Zophorian

Aslan takes up an admirable task as he tries to form a "reasonable interpretation" of Islam. His version of Islam is modern and realistic, it is something that the world can live with and get along with-- and I can get along with and in the world. He recounts the history of Islam well and in an interesting way. This is not an academic book but it is well researched and written. It mixes his personal stories and experiences, with research and current events/concerns.

However, his book is really just preaching to the choir. It will sit well with open-minded non-Muslims, and western-minded Muslims as well. But it will not do much to settle the conflict between the 'West' and 'Islam.' The Muslims who have a problem with the the modern western world, the fundamentalists that give Islam a bad name and strike fear (or hatred) in the hearts of westerners, will not accept this book and its ideas at all. Aslan's project is to interpret Islam, which is something that the fundamentalists see as an effacement of the true religion and true word of God. Unfortunately, it is exactly this kind of 'manipulation' of Islam that those fundamentalists are against.

That being said, the book is worth reading because it does give a good introduction to the history of Islam and its current internal conflicts. It will help moderate Muslims and open-minded non-Muslims understand what Islam can be. But I doubt it will help ease the tensions in the world today.

Democratic reform based on Islamic principles is the solution. 2010-05-29

Reviewer: andris virsnieks

Democracy is the answer to Islam's problems. But it cannot be our kind of democracy. Most Muslims do not accept the Western notion that religion and the state should be entirely separate, that secularism must be the foundation of society. Islam is more than a religion; it is a civilization. Reza Aslan claims that Islam has had a long commitment to religious "pluralism". And democracy can be based on this "pluralism". It is difficult to visualize how this will actually work in the various Muslim countries and the author does not really flesh it out in detail. The author dedicates many pages outlining the "correct" interpretation of Islam and separating it from terrorism. But, of course, the fact remains that terrorists who consider themselves to be true Muslims get their inspiration from Islam, correctly interpreted or not.

Surprised to see any used for sale--this belongs on your shelf. 2010-04-29

Reviewer: Robert Troy, author of Denial of Sunlight

I didn't read through No god but God as much as glide through it. Aslan's writing smoothes the long and detailed road over which he takes the reader. As a layman I found his explanations easy to follow without any sense of being talked down to. It is clear the Aslan's intent is to open the eyes and mind of the reader. If you're interested in understanding Islam better and have time for one book, this is the one.Denial of Sunlight

Great primer into the history of Islam 2010-04-02

Reviewer: Harold L. Gailey III

A wonderful book. No one should look at this book as a book made solely for one group. Anyone with an interest in the history, story or values of Islam should read this book. It details the highs and lows, differentiates between the faith and dogma, and goes a long way to illuminating the current world status of this huge faith. Many people may not give this religion its due respect, but this book goes a long way of showing where the true faith of Islam is and where the modern issues regarding it have come from. A wonderful book, superb writing. Anyone with an open mind, a desire to learn, or an interest in faith should read this book.