Michael Muhammad Knight

"Although The Taqwacores is now studied in courses at several American universities, it took some time for the book to be formally published. Initially, Knight made photocopies of it at his local Kinko's store and distributed them himself in the car parks of mosques. Eventually, the book went on sale by mail order through Alternative Tentacles, a record label in California which trades under the provocative slogan: "Keeping the Homeland insecure since 1979". I came across the book one day while browsing the internet, found an extract here, and ordered a copy. When it arrived ... well, I have never read anything quite like it, before or since...The book is an easy, funny read but, at another level and without labouring the point, it's also profoundly challenging. It addresses - in a way that's shocking but ultimately positive - questions of identity that are faced, to some extent, by all young Muslims growing up in the west. Of course, there will be people who insist that the characters in the book are not "true" Muslims. I'm guessing, but I think this is the main point Knight wanted to raise. How do you define a "true" Muslim? On what grounds? And does anyone have the right to judge?" --Brian Whitaker, the Guardian http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/brian_whitaker/2007/03/s ex_drugs_and_prayer.html"Michael Muhammad Knight has written today’s “On the Road,”a powerful picaresque tale about the sorrows of being a seeker in the days of endless simulation. I am certain that in addition to some of the most musically-pleasing prose of recent years, Knight has identified the work of his generation, which is spirit. His wrestling with Islam is pertinent and suspenseful, a mystery rendered in brilliant detail and gorgeous depth." --Andrei Codrescu"Knight takes his readers to the heart of this community, weaving complicated histories, personalities, and ideals. Written in beautiful prose, this is a long-awaited and welcomed read for anyone who has even a casual interest in religion and culture in urban America." --Professor Aminah Beverly McCloud, DePaul University