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First off, let me say that it is purely coincidental that I followed up The Jesus Machine with this book.

However, both books deal with strict, literalist and legalistic interpretations of their scriptures. In Gartenstein-Ross' case it involved sinking deeper into radical Islam up to and including praying for Muslim success in the jihad.

Born Jewish, Gartenstein-Ross converts to Islam while in college. His conversion would lead him to work for the Al Haramain Islamic Foundation, a charity that would later be implicated in connection with Al Qaeda.

Gartenstein-Ross' account is a personal and moving depiction of a descent into a movement diametrically opposed to all that he had been raised to believe.

At times his spiritual meandering can be frustrating. I shook my head repeatedly at his naivete and propensity to shift his views. But I think that is more due to my own western arrogance as opposed to any deficiency in his writing.

Ultimately it's a great cautionary tale about extremism in any form. And at it's heart is a tale of redemption that is worth checking out.

I found it to be an enjoyable and illuminating read. And for those of us who are Christians the conclusion of the book is deeply satisfying and brought tears to my eyes.