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bibliomaineiac's review against another edition
4.0
This book angered me. As in, I would read a page or two, and then have to stop, catch my breath, and calm myself. I consider myself a patriot of my country. I am the descendent of numerous veterans and I can trace my relationship to two United States presidents. I am a spouse of a veteran and the mother of one. What this man was put through, simply because of his religion, makes my blood boil. My heart breaks for Yousaf Yee, and the lasting effects this ordeal had on him. I also thank him, because through this book, I learned more about the religion of Islam that I did not know. And learning about others and their cultures should be something we all aspire to. It is how we learn about life, and gain empathy. But I'm still angry.
2000ace's review against another edition
5.0
James Yee, a third-generation American of Chinese descent, grew up in a Lutheran household, attended West Point, and shortly thereafter converted to Islam. He pursued a dream of becoming an Army leader as a Muslim chaplain, and was posted to Guantanamo Bay, to minister to the military and also to detainees there. He was falsely accused of espionage, thrown into solitary confinement for 21 months, and was ultimately acquitted of all charges. In his own words, “What happened to me is about civil liberties, military justice, and bigotry and paranoia.” If you do not already believe that the existence of the detention facility at Guantanamo is an abomination and an affront to every basic belief in the American system of government that we hold dear, you will after you read this book.
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