Nearly seven million Muslims live in the United States today, and their relations with non-Muslims are strained. Many Americans associate Islam with figures such as Osama bin Laden, and they worry about “homegrown terrorists.” To shed light on this increasingly important religious group and counter mutual distrust, renowned scholar Akbar Ahmed conducted the most comprehensive study to date of the American Muslim community. Journey into America explores and documents how Muslims are fitting into U.S. society, placing their experience within the larger context of American identity. This eye-opening book also offers a fresh and insightful perspective on American history and society. Following up on his critically acclaimed Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization (Brookings, 2007), Ahmed and his team of young researchers traveled for a year through more than seventyfive cities across the United States—from New York City to Salt Lake City; from Las Vegas to Miami; from the large Muslim enclave in Dearborn, Michigan, to small, predominantly white towns like Arab, Alabama. They visited homes, schools, and over one hundred mosques to discover what Muslims are thinking and how they are living every day in America. In this unprecedented exploration of American Muslim communities, Ahmed asked challenging questions: Can we expect an increase in homegrown terrorism? How do American Muslims ofArab descent differ from those of other origins (for example, Somalia or South Asia)? Why are so many white women converting to Islam? How can a Muslim become accepted fully as an “American,” and what does that mean? He also delves into the potentially sticky area of relations with other religions. For example, is there truly a deep divide between Muslims and Jews in America? And how well do Muslims get along with other religious groups, such as Mormons in Utah? Journey into America is equal parts anthropological research, listening tour, and travelogue. Whereas Ahmed’s previous book took the reader into homes, schools, and mosques in the Muslim world, his new quest takes us into the heart of America and its Muslim communities. It is absolutely essential reading for anyone trying to make sense of America today.

Journey of an American Muslim is an epic journey into the life of the author. It's a biography that is uncompromising in its authenticity and honesty. Muslims and non-Muslims will appreciate its candor as the author shares his experiences in the four phases of his development into his life as a Muslim in America. In this book you will discover: -The major influences that encouraged the Author to study and later become a Muslim. -How the Author transitioned from being a very "zealous" Muslim in the beginning; to discovering "spirituality" while taking more risks in his practice of the Muslim life; to becoming an open minded "truth seeker" who happens to be Muslim. -In candid detail how the Author survived multiple marriages (learning experiences), the loss of two good paying professional jobs, foreclosure of his home and working at Wal-Mart for 3 1/2 years earning what he considers "survival income." Journey of an American Muslim is a personal journey and an odyssey of major proportions for any human being. Muslim or non-Muslim, to have to experience. One wonders how one could survive such a personal drama, financial upheaval and professional setbacks. This author not only experienced the epic journey, but lived to tell about it.

The Way of Saint James: Journey to America is the story about a family with origins in Spain and their journey to America, including the United States of America and Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (the United Mexican States). The story focuses on the lives of two men, Mihail Gurevich and Baltazar de la Vega. Their families’ background, history, and the lives they led in Europe under conditions that motivated both men to immigrate to America to seek a better life are told. Both men departed when they were young and overcame several obstacles with a resolve to achieve a life in which they could live in freedom and prosper with hard work and dedication toward family. Both individuals were products of not only their place of birth but also the societies in which they lived. Both left what could have been a life not confronted by danger and the unknown. Both chose to venture forth, accepting whatever challenges and risks life may present to them. Their journeys occurred against the larger history of Europe in which they lived. Their journey is similar to the mystical El Camino de Santiago, the Way of Saint James, which served as a metaphor of their quest.

Brigitte’s Journey from World War II to America is the true story of a young girl growing up during World War II. Brigitte Erika Williams (Thomas) was born on March 29, 1940. World War II had already begun, and she was affected by it from that day forward. Her father was not home when she was born. She would not see her father again until 1948. The book reveals the travesties of war and the toll it took on her family. The courage her mother displayed to survive in this environment is an important part of this story. Eventually, Brigitte falls in love with an American soldier in Germany. Their relationship blossoms, and Brigitte embarks on another adventure: coming to America with her husband, with a very limited understanding of the English language. For Brigitte, living in America does not turn out to be a simple life lived in just one community. Brigitte’s journey in America involves living in six different cities, starting a family with her loving husband, and creating a life for herself in each new city in this country she begins to call home. About the Author Timothy H. Williams was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 18, 1940. Williams attended school at Palmyra, Wisconsin, and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1958. From 1958 to 1962, he attended Ripon College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biology. In 1971, Williams enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He completed the requirements for a Master of Science degree in 1972. From 1972 to 1975, Williams pursued a Doctor of Education degree at the University of Northern Colorado. In 1975, he was awarded this degree and then accepted a teaching and coaching position at Albion College, Albion, Michigan. He was employed there until 2002 when he retired with the rank of Emeritus Professor. In 2002, Williams and Brigitte started working at Deer Valley Ski area in Park City, Utah. Williams worked as a Ski Instructor and Brigitte worked as an assistant in the Children’s Program. Another career for Williams was twenty-eight years of service in the Armed Forces. Williams was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1962. He retired in 1990 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His career included tours of duty in Germany, Wisconsin, California, Kentucky, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, and Texas. He was a member of the 1964 and 1965 Military Pentathlon Team. In 1980 he coached the team during the championships in Munich, Germany. In 2005, Williams and Brigitte moved to Montgomery, Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

A spirited and lively introduction to American literature, this book acquaints readers with the key authors, works, and events in the nation's rich and ecclectic literary tradition.

Homeward Journey depicts a young writer's life through the art of his poetry. My brother, Leslie, was confronted with many obstacles as he traveled through a short lifetime. He never lost sight of his dream as a child to become a writer. This collection will take you on the journey of his life, in the early days, through happy and sad times, and later periods during his fight with Huntington's Disease. As his physical capabilities became more difficult he felt free spiritually and expressed himself through poetry. When his handwriting became illegible he still continued to scribble down his thoughts. Never did he give up hope. He had full knowledge of his destiny and independently met each day as a challenge. Throughout my life he encouraged me, and because of him I accomplished more than I thought possible. In preparation for this book, I have read these poems over and over and I am in awe of how I continue to be inspired. Without a doubt, as you read through these pages, you will find poems that fill you heart with joy, fond memories, and hope. - Joan Foor Huntington's Disease is a hereditary disorder that affects the brain cells causing uncontrolled body movements, lack of coordination, loss of ability to think and reason as well as psychological difficulties. There are approximately 30,000 people in the United States who are affected by HD and another 200,000 who are at risk of developing the disease. HD generally strikes in mid-life, between the ages of 30-50, but cases as young as 2 years and as old as 80 have been reported. In 1993, the gene that causes HD was identified and a simple predictive test was developed to determine whether a person carries the defective gene or not. Those who do carry the gene will develop the disease (if they live long enough) and they CAN pass it onto each of their children. Those who do not inherit the gene cannot pass HD onto any of their children - HD does no skip generations. There is currently no effective treatmen

The story of Harry and Christine Meijer on its face is not unique. Throughout history, countless individuals have endured immense physical and psychological trauma as a result of war and authoritarian regimes. These tyrannical leaders motivated by a desire for absolute control and subjugation of the population, inflicted immense suffering upon civilian populations. Born in a country under colonial rule, Harry and Christine in their formative years were undoubtedly marked by a confluence of economic and cultural challenges. However, the true crucible of their lives emerged at the dawn of their adulthood, when they were confronted with adversities of unimaginable magnitude. Their narrative encompasses the reality of lingering PTSD suffered by Harry and Christine, which significantly impacted their nine children during tumultuous migrations across three continents, demanding constant adaptation to unfamiliar cultures and languages. Despite facing these significant hardships, the remarkable resilience and ultimate triumph over adversity stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for perseverance. Grounded in meticulous historical detail and enriched with poignant anecdotes, this work offers readers the opportunity to glean novel insights into the hardships endured by millions in the South Pacific during World War II and also serves as a source of inspiration for overcoming their own challenges.

This book is about the youth, schools, places, and ideas that significantly deepen my life. It examines insights, philosophies, and observations that I read, question, seriously investigate, and live. The students in the classroom can be natural inquirers who through connections they discover make sense of the world and the things and ideas they pursue and question. These students, just as humankind from its beginning journey and exploration, use a fundamental approach to observe, investigate and probe to understand the world. This is the source of our human depth and learning.