Review by Choice Review
Generation M will engage readers who have a special interest in Islam and popular culture. Janmohamed states she has long wanted to "demystify Islam and explain that Muslims are human like everyone else," and her entrée into this topic is what Muslims buy and why. Fascinating examples include the economics of the Hajj, of women's sartorial choices, and of religious difference within the global Muslim community. Although it became somewhat repetitive for this reader, the book contains a number of fascinating insights. For instance, Janmohamed suggests that Generation M Muslims share an interest with Western Millennials of other faith traditions in that each group can focus on lifestyle reformations justified in terms of its own tradition. As one interview subject tells the author, "It's how we choose to interact with our friends, family, neighbors and community, it's living a halal and healthy lifestyle." Another interview subject describes herself as an "eco-jihadist" who wants to "make her community on earth that tiny bit purer to live in." Throughout Generation M, a range of spiritually imbued themes reflects the aspirations of an idealistic, socially engaged generation. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. --Anne Rypstat Richards, Kennesaw State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review