I received this book from David C. Cook and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited and intrigued when I spotted this one on Netgalley and pleased to be approved to review it.

I liked the basic premise, it is a collection of stories about Christians living in areas where they are the minority and facing persecution because of it.  However, this book blurred together into a collection of vague and general stories of suffering after a few of the stories.

As a Christian living in Kurdistan (Iraq) I expected to feel a bit more inspired.  I know that I’m a foreigner living here as a guest and that my experiences are nothing like what I read, but I was disappointed in the lack of a holistic examination of what goes on in the region.  Beyond a few passing references to Muslims that offer help in some small way, there was no discussion of the wonderful people that make up the majority of the population.  For every fanatic, there are dozens of people who treat their Christian neighbors well and even assist them at their own risk.

Christians face dangers in this part of the world.  This is a fact.

To be labeled “n” in a community dominated by Muslim extremists is to undergo an immediate identity and life change.  With this mark comes the ultimatum: If you convert to Islam or pay the tax, you can keep your material possessions and remain in this community.  If not, leave or you will die.

Again, there is a brief mention of the fact that most Muslims aren’t radicals, but it feels like lip service.  I simply couldn’t love this book, it was too superficial.  Perhaps my own Catholic background was simply incompatible with this more emotionally charged brand of Christianity, or maybe this simply isn’t the book to help me on my walk.  Either way, I applaud the sentiment but have no passion for the content.

Two Stars.

Expected Publication: March 1, 2016