For February 2012, our new Online Book Club is discussing The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing, by Sumbul Ali-Karamali.  This is one of the books chosen for the community reading program, Silicon Valley Reads, which this year focuses on the theme "Muslim and American."

Each week, we'll post a different question to spark a discussion! For Week 2, let's discuss:

Why does the Muslim head covering for women provoke such reflexive reactions in many non-Muslims? What does it reflect about women’s issues in Islamic countries?

I think that the cause of such reflexive reactions has to do with discomfort and sometimes fear of the unfamiliar. A Catholic nun's veil doesn't evoke such reactions because it's a more common, familiar sight in 'the West'. Moreover, I think there is a strong bias here about the role of women in Islamic countries that drives these reactions. Many people don't know that there are many professional women in predominately Islamic countries, for example.  The author points this out in the book, as well.

What do you think? Did the author's insights about the role of women in Islamic cultures and the Islamic tradition surprise you?

Welcome to Silicon Valley Reads 2012!

2012 is the 10th anniversary of Silicon Valley Reads and we are celebrating with an outstanding selection of books and events focused on the theme "Muslim and American: Two Perspectives".  We invite everyone in Santa Clara County to read one or more of the featured books, to attend the free events we have scheduled, and to engage with others in discussion and share perspectives on this relevant theme.

2012 Featured Books
The Muslim Next Door by Sumbul Ali-Karamali
The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson

2012 Companion Books for Children
It's OK To Be Different (pre-K) by Todd Parr
One Green Apple (Gr K-2) by Eve Bunting
My Name Is Bilal (Gr 2-6) by Asma Mobin-Uddin
Skunk Girl (Gr 7 and up) by Sheba Karim

Events will be held at many of our San Jose Public Library locations.

See our calendar for other Silicon Valley Reads events at San Jose Public Libraries. Stop by any of our locations to pick up the Silicon Valley Reads brochure and check out other events happening throughout Silicon Valley.

Also, our new Online Book Club will be discussing the Silicon Valley Reads selections during February and March.