A House in the Sky: A Memoir

This book really grabs at your heart. It is astounding what other humans will do to other humans, for money. A book that everyone should read and hopefully change the ways of some people.

A gripping story of life backpacking around the world and ending up in captivity. A well written story about third world nations. A novel that shows the other side of the "no ransoms paid to terrorists" rule. My copy had a book group discussion guide to help bring out the different aspects of the narrative. The story goes into the Islam religion from a very balanced perspective. A story that helps shape how one feels about other countries.

For those of you who are interested in the fundamentals AND extremism of Islam as a religion, and like a good travel-narrative, this book is for you. Amanda, the author, spends her early adulthood traveling. She and her ex-boyfriend (THAT'S a complicated part) get caught and imprisoned by some Somali kidnappers who ransom white people for money, and spend over a year being moved from house to house in Somalia. The two decide to "convert" to Islam while in captivity, and the information on what Islam is like as a religion and what exactly the Quran/Koran says is sooo interesting. For example, Islam is mostly a peaceful religion, except a man may brutalize/rape those he holds under his right hand. I.E. anyone he enslaves. What Amanda goes through is heart-wrenching. It is such a good read, I finished it so quickly. Then I sent a copy to some family members, saying it's one of my favorites therefore they should read it too.