The Translator by Leila Aboulela

The story of (oddly enough) a translator:) This is about a Sudanese widow who has embraced her Islamic religion. She is living in Scotland when she start working as an Arabic translator for an Islamic scholar who is not a believer. After they fall in love she must decide what is stronger, her love or her faith. What this novel explores with great finesse is the true nature of faith. What it means to be faithful and what it means to give your life over to that. The language in this novel is a joy to read and the story is lovely. Highly enjoyable and different look at the Islamic faith.

Terrorist by John Updike

I am not always fond of Updike's work but have always admired his skill. The Terrorist is one of those books that inspires a "wow, can that boy write?" response. This is one of his best and considering that he has won every major book award for past work that is saying something.

Ahmad, a biracial American teenager, has connected deeply with his religion and has found a militant Imam to guide him in developing his spirituality. Because of this he becomes deeply disillusioned by America and all it has to offer. Eventually he hooks up with a fanatic who introduces him to a terrorist cell who plans to blow up the Holland tunnel.

I was skeptical that Updike could maintain the voices needed to carry it off. Having said that, a few of his characters are stereotypical in many ways but, since he is exploring the hysteria surrounding 9/11 and its aftermath, it worked for me.