The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (And the Crusades) by Robert Spencer (2005, Paperback)

If you're anything like me, you like getting more info about the headlines especially since so much of the media is biased. Since Islam is all in the news these days and I enjoy studying other religions, I bought this book to learn more about one of the world's major faiths. I have to say I was really surprised after reading this book and seeing all the myths about Islam the book dispels -- myths such as Islam is a "religion of peace" and that Islam preaches tolerance. I was initially a bit sceptical of this book because the author has to be really biased against Islam, right? Actually though, very little of the author's opinion is in this book. In fact, almost every myth this book discredits uses direct passages from the Qur'an, quotations from Islamic leaders, and historical evidence. This was a pleasant surprise -- there's no rabid hate of Islam in here -- just a very scholarly and logical refutation of myths. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others -- even if you don't agree with the book's premise, you will at least get a good introduction to Islamic theology. 5/5!