Insightful and Enlightening. Blown Away by Radical

What made the experience of listening to Radical the most enjoyable?

I am obsessed with understanding the path towards (and away from) political radicalism. Nawaz deftly explains what motivated his turn towards Islamism and how, through intense experiences and self-reflection, he moved away from it. Though I was never as radical as he was, and was certainly not an Islamist, his story speaks to me. He really shows how youthful pain and idealism can quickly morph into extremism. More importantly, he shows how sober-minded reflection, honesty and humility leads us back towards humanity.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Radical?

The analysis of Sayyid Qutb and how his 2 years at Stanford led indirectly to the likes of Osama bin Laden was beyond fascinating. The observation that the radical - Islamist and otherwise - is involved in a kind of co-dependent relationship with the object of its hatred (i.e. America) is an unusually insightful one.

What does David Linski bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The reading of the book is quite eloquent and far less dry than most audio books.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could definitely have listed to the entire book in one sitting. My life is far too busy for that so I listened to it whenever I had a free moment.

Any additional comments?

It is rare to hear someone with such obvious qualifications weigh in on the subject of Islamism and deradicalization. We need this kind of depth, familiarity, bravery and objectivity in order to help wrap our heads around this very important issue. Thank you. Maajid Nawaz for a truly important book!

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8 people found this helpful

Great Story

This book and his story helped me have a greater understanding of something I always wondered ( Why do they hate us so much )! He makes it personal.

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7 people found this helpful

Must read for anyone to be informed on Islam

What made the experience of listening to Radical the most enjoyable?

Hearing the personal story of an Islamic radical and how he turned around.

Much better than hearing some academic writing about something he probably learned in a classroom and which is probably wrong.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was very riveting, but no it's too long for that.

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5 people found this helpful

A bit too flabby, but worth the read

The seemingly endless procession of prefaces, forwards, and acknowledgements that kickoff Radical are typical of its biggest weakness: Nawaz has a tendency to make and remake his point a few times too many and to go on mediocre poetic tangents that don't add much.

However, his story is a vitally important one and his case against extremism is very compelling. Anyone who cares about the ideological crisis gripping the Muslim world and the way out of the seemingly intractable nightmare that is the War on Terror should read this book and familiarize themself with Nawaz's work.

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4 people found this helpful

Paradigm Shift

What made the experience of listening to Radical the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the British accent of the narrator; it made me feel more like I was actually listening to the Author who is a British Pakistani Muslim.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the way this book shifted my thinking about how I see Muslims. I know understand better the difference between the religion of Islam and political Islamist philosophy. I also have insight into why and how many Muslims feel resentment toward the West.

Which character – as performed by David Linski – was your favorite?

Maajid Nawaz--who went from being a radical Islamist recruiter to a world leader in bringing people of all stripes together; to listen, to understand and to work toward peace.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I love the quote: "No idea is above scrutiny just as no people are below dignity."

Any additional comments?

Worth the read!

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3 people found this helpful

Thank you

Loved it! Very eye opening. This made me reevaluate how I view childhood experience. I have 4 kids. I feels better educated to notice changes. I also feel a better understanding of how others view the west and the polices that push youth into extreme beliefs. Thank you

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3 people found this helpful

Insightful inspirational entertaining

Where does Radical rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Radical was very surprising, although it did delve into political Islam, it was very well written and entertaining as well not

What did you like best about this story?

Showed the human side of those involved in extremist ideologies.

What about David Linski’s performance did you like?

would have preferred the author's voice, but he's a very busy man.The narration is a not boring, or typical monotone voice often heard with this type of book..

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Family relationships

Any additional comments?

Great book, highly recommended

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3 people found this helpful

Incredible

What made the experience of listening to Radical the most enjoyable?

An incredible book about a man's journey from radical Islam (Hizb ul Tahrir) to enlightened peace, human rights and democratic values. Definitely worth a read or listen.

What about David Linski’s performance did you like?

The narrator was top notch!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

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2 people found this helpful

Mind expanding for Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

A terrific listen that both enlightens and captivates. Although Radical is no narrative for closed minds, even open minds will find themselves changed. I was left with hope for the future that such voices resulting in the effects described exist in the Muslim world today.

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1 person found this helpful

Really really good. I'll need more Maajid Nawaz.

I expected to have my opinion about Islam reenforced, but I'm appreciating the nuance of opinions throughout, and feel I'm more sympathetic.

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1 person found this helpful