I haven't read the book yet, but I support the author's efforts as this is an important issue within the Muslim community and all of our communities if we simply put ourselves, our ethnicities and beliefs in exchange for Muslim and Islam. The blurb resonates with me, especially the last line, ' ... Because in the 21st century, the real battle isn't fought with weapons - it's fought with narratives.'
Sometimes no matter how wonderful you are, some can't get past what they see, so they hear you speak, but are not listening to you because their thoughts and judgements are too loud in their head. This is very unfortunate because 1 on 1, we enjoy each other, then we go amongst familiar surroundings and judge based on what is said and what the television shows ... we should ask ourselves, how much of what we see is real and how much of it is staged? For, 'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.'
'Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.' Get to know the neighbours who you think are different than you ... more often than not, you will be very similar in your thinking, with some varied beliefs that shouldn't cause hatred and disdain.