Etched Into My Soul! (PB) (2023)

The Black Muslim American Experience is one that is ripe for lessons, and thus necessary to study in order to gain a better grasp of the complexities of living a spiritual, secular AND religious life. Enter the captivating world of an 87-year old Muslim American woman, Delores Daaimah Jardan, as she intimately shares the intricacies of both her biological family and her spiritual family in her powerful memoir, "Etched Into My Soul."

Born into a family that converted to Islam during her childhood, Jardan's life experiences are deeply intertwined with the growth of the Los Angeles Muslim community. Through her eyes, readers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, each playing a crucial role in shaping both Jardan's life as well as the community's evolution. From the fiery activists and scholars, to quiet heroes whose work would often go unmentioned, Jardan's acknowledgements present a nuanced and multi-dimensional portrayal of a community whose history has often been lost.

In that way, "Etched Into My Soul" is a rare gem-not only a memoir that illuminates an individual's personal transformation-but also as a vital historical document that sheds light on the complexities of being Black, Muslim, and American. Jardan's memories capture the essence of an era, and her insights make this book an indispensable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the rich cultural, social, and spiritual dynamics of American Muslims.