Review of Three Muslims and a Jew

[Favour Amarachi Mgbeoji]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Three Muslims and a Jew" by Morris Aaron Shapiro.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Three Muslims & A Jew is a man's foray into his past (and present) to present an interpretation of his mistakes, failures and joys as the workings of divine power. Morris Aaron Shapiro documents his experiences as a Jew who accepts, ignores, and then welcomes Jesus back as his Messiah. From his early years and youth to an eventual maturity into a pastor, father and husband, he presents a deeply personal account of a life devoted to family and faith.

In addition to his experiences, he takes out time to examine, with compassionate detail, the lives of some everyday people, especially in relation to the effects of the love of Jesus and the healing power of his word (the Bible) on their lives.

Morris must be lauded for his admirable writing, for the book offers an interesting account of events, both personal and otherwise, and tackles the deeply significant matter of faith with boldness and audacity. Also worthy of praise is the author's masterful use of the Bible to lend credence to every point sought to be established. The book is interspersed with Bible chapters and verses
giving concise but solid support to his opinions without making for tedious reading.

The book contains an appendix with a fairly detailed exploration of the differences, similarities, beliefs and origins of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. A thoughtful addition, as it aids in a wholesale appreciation of the personal opinions espoused in the book.

Although an interesting read, the book's title is ill-fitting, as most of the narrative is an account of the author's life and not a particularly striking or life-changing encounter with three Muslims, as the title may lead one to infer. Indeed, the three Muslims: Mike, Mel and Nick, appear in only three (chapters 1, 12 and 21) of the book's twenty-three chapters. Also, the story tends to be disjointed at certain points, especially as it sometimes introduces past occurrences into the current line of events without clearly presenting them as flashbacks. For instance, in chapter 20, Morris tells of a trip to Israel and narrates past this point. However, in chapter 22, he describes an encounter with an Iranian Muslim on the return trip from Israel.

The narrative bits on the lives of others, Ray- a suicidal man, Elise - a French immigrant in search of greener pastures, Steve- an aged agnostic e.t.c form an integral part of the book, but they sometimes give the impression that the story is being pulled in many directions.

Irrespective of the above-mentioned, it is a well-edited work and is recommended for individuals who appreciate religious texts, conversion stories, and books with moral inclinations. I rate it 3 out of 4 stars. The book was well written despite the negative aspects mentioned, which warranted the deduction of a star.

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Three Muslims and a Jew
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[Shillah Andeso]

Would be a good book to look into the author's past and also learn about his failures. Not to be religiously biased but sometimes I find Muslim stories a bit questionable. I would, therefore, read this book for morals. The way you pointed out the negatives in the book is amazing and I know what I am getting myself into. Thanks for the recommendation.

[khaulah]

I got interested in reading the review when I saw the book's title. It seems that it is misleading. I appreciate that the author explains the differences and similarities between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. It would make an interesting read. Thanks for your detailed review!

[Charlie-C]

One wouldn't be off the course thinking the title was deliberately chosen lure readers into a book that has little to do with it.
Religions have always been at each other's necks and I would think that this is one caution that ought to be considered before recommending the book to anyone.
It's a good thing to find out how the author transitioned from one mindset to another all due to his experiences as a Jew.
It's important to notice what is assumption and what is truth, such as, in Hebrew language there's no letter J and hence that makes the translation of Jesus according to original Hebrew questionable, mainly because he beseech his believers to call on his name. If they call on a wrongly translated name, I'm not sure if the attitude of the hearts matter as calling on the right or wrong name.
Worth reading, and great review.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

The title made me curious and intrigued, I immediately wanted to know more about the book. Indeed it is misleading if the storyline is not built around Three Muslims and a Jew. Nonetheless the book is interesting and it sounds like a good read.