ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank the hundreds of people I have met during my travels, who gifted me their knowledge. They have allowed this book to be created. In my search for meaning, teachers and spiritual leaders have guided me with grace. My most heartfelt thanks go to Imam Sayed, Ismail bin Ali, Eric Selbin, Jerrold Post, Robert Young Pelton, and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, whose lectures enlighten me.

I am very grateful to the many experts who have assisted me throughout this process, providing contacts, answering questions, reading sections of the manuscript, and helping in innumerable ways. My thanks to Betsy Ashton, Tanisha Tingle, Arifa Khaled, Amanda Ohlke, Brian Michael Jenkins, Maya Yamout, David Bird-sey, Carol Adler, Ambassador Akber Ahmed, Erin Saltman, Ahmad Bostan, Lois Herman, Vicky Collins, Anita McNaught, Jennifer Parker, Isobel Coleman, and Melissa Arciero-Durr.

At Berrett-Koehler, Anna Leinberger was a gracious, patient, and encouraging editor. She and her team helped steer this draft with enthusiasm and offered insightful comments. Their persistence brought this book to fruition. Jill Marr, my agent, helped me with the publishing world. I am thankful for her assistance, steady hand, and loving support.

Finally, my greatest support has come from my children—bless you for your patience and understanding as I tell this story. And I need to give a special thanks to my sister, who shared my journey into Islam, asking the same questions; searching for identity, belonging, and meaning.