Review: 111 Questions on Islam: Samir Khalil Samir, S.J. on Islam and the West

111 Questions on Islam: Samir Khalil Samir, S.J. on Islam and the West by Giorgio Paolucci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is the perfect book for someone who wishes to learn the basics of the Muslim faith. Samir examines in an easy to understand question and answer format the fundamentals of Islam, with the ultimate goal of seeing whether a peaceful coexistence between the Islamic and Christian faiths is attainable without either faith compromising their basic tenets. The short answer is "no". The longer answer, as Samir explains, is based on the understanding of Islam as being an integrated social, political, cultural and religious ideology.

This is a very interesting and informative book. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in furthering their understanding of the current issues involved in the immigration and integration of Islam in Western societies.




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New Release - The Betrothal!

I'm excited to announce the imminent release of my newest novella The Betrothal from Fine Form Press. This is an art-themed contemporary/historical romance set in modern day London and in 1434 Bruges, at the time of the painting of Jan van Eyck's masterpiece The Arnolfini Betrothal.

The Arnolfini Betrothal by Jan van Eyck

Blurb:

When Benjamin takes Sarah out to celebrate their four-month dating anniversary, he wines and dines her at Calabash, London's best restaurant. After a wonderful meal, he has another surprise for her: his prepared lecture at the National Gallery, where he presents Sarah with a unique and entertaining interpretation of the love story between feisty Giovanna Cenami and Pieter Baes, Jan van Eyck's young assistant at the time van Eyck painted the famous Arnolfini Betrothal Portrait.

The Betrothal by J.T. Therrien

I think readers will really enjoy this novella that offers two sweet romances: a contemporary one and an historical one. I look forward to sharing it with you very soon!

Addendum: (October 17, 2013) The Betrothal is now available at Smashwords and Amazon for 99 cents!

~JT~

Review: The Sentimentalists

The Sentimentalists by Johanna Skibsrud

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I enjoyed reading The Sentimentalists. Although I have never read any of Johanna Skibsrud's poetry, her understanding of language as she explores her characters' motivations, beliefs and memories proves to be quite sensitive and creative.

The Sentimentalists clearly deserved to be the 2010 Giller Prize winner. I knew nothing about the novel before picking it up, other than it went out of print within days of being awarded the Giller Prize, and I have been waiting for a chance to read it since it won. Had I known what literary treasure I was missing out on, I would have moved this short novel up to the top of my To Be Read list much sooner!

Readers who enjoy stories within stories, characters trying to uncover the truth of memories and beliefs (their own and other characters') then The Sentimentalists should be a satisfying read.

I have added Johanna Skibsrud's name to my list of authors to read, and I cannot wait for her next novel.



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