Smith, Jane I. Islam in America. New York: Columbia UP, 1999. Print.

I searched the library for “Islam in the United States.” because I wanted to learn about how this religion has grown in the United States and the struggles they have had to face. There were other searches that talked about how Islam has grown in America, however, Smith’s book exemplified that transformation and attempted Americanization of followers of Islam. For example, chapter 6 specifically refers to “living a Muslim life in American society” showing how the religion was transformed once it came to mainland United States.

The cover of the book showed Muslims praying in the street, in what appears to be an American city. Although the title of the book is simple, it makes the central message of the book extremely clear. The book is divided in eight chapters which follows the growth of Islam and then its entrance into the United States (chapter three). I think the division of the book makes it easier to read and more appealing because we are able to form a semi-timeline about the growth of Islam and its transformation. I am interested in several sections of the book because I want to further understand the struggle of Islamic people in America and the obstacles they have had to face. Additionally, I have always wanted to learn about the Islamic religion and the center of their beliefs because in the eyes of many American’s it is a controversial religion due to the actions of extremist groups.

Apart from focusing solely on how Islam in America has changed, Smith’s book addresses the basic concepts within the religion. For example, Chapter one talks about Muslim faith and practice while chapter five addresses Women and the Muslim American family. Ultimately, this book not only addresses the growth of Islam in the Western world but also about the basic tenants of the religion.