A gripping, inspiring tale of Rifqa Bary's escape from her Islamic family and her finding Christianity.
I should have written this review when I first read the book. I rarely give 5 stars but this book deserved every one and even made my "best of" list for the books I read that year.

I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley; this is my honest review.
I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy and it was my pick for my local book club.

A profound testimony
Rifqa Bary presents her memoir under the title "Hiding in the Light. Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus", published by Waterbrook & Multnomah. Rifqa's story starts in Sri Lanka where she grew up as a Tamil Muslim and where she had her first "encounter"with the presence of God at the age of five. Her story accompanies her life via New York City to Ohio, where she became a Christian as a teenager and was able to hide her faith for four years. It covers her flight to Florida and then back to Ohio, presenting the challenges of juvenile detention, foster homes, court appointments, "interviews", ... and dealing with the threat of her father to kill her because of her faith.
I had never heard about Rifqa Bary before discovering this book on netgalley and reading her story. I enjoyed it very much and could not put it down. Rifqa writes very personal, honest, and profound. She verbalizes the questions that accompanied her life about life and the reason why we live. She gives a good overview what it meant to grew up in a strict Muslim family. It was really encouraging to read about God's work in her life and also about his protection of her.
I highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in finding out what the consequences for Muslims are when they become Christians. I recommend it also to readers who have contact or work with Muslim refugees to understand their background better. The discussion questions included at the end are a great help to reflect about the book and can be used also for study in a book club.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#HidingInTheLight #NetGalley

Review: Hiding in the Light is the true story of Rifqa Bary. Born and raised a Muslim, Rifqa felt there was more to life then being treated unfairly by her family and memorizing prayers of her religion in a language she didn't even understand. After years of abuse, Rifqa was depressed and ready to give up. Crying out to God, she asked for answers and for Him to reveal himself or she was ready to end it all. Rifqa's prayer was answered and found Jesus. However, her new found love and faith was strictly forbidden by her family and Muslim community. Even though she tried to keep her conversion a secret, she was eventually found out and confronted by her father. Fearing for her life, Rifqa sought refuge with Christian friends and connections and ran away from home at 16. After her decision to leave her family, Rifqa's life was changed forever. Through legal battles and threats to her life, Rifqa's journey was not an easy one. But, by faith Rifqa knew the Lord was with her and would keep her safe. Her story is one of extreme courage, faith, and an inspiration for all. I was blown away by Rifqa's story and if there is one book you should read this year, it's this one!

This is the incredible story of a young girl and the brave stand she has taken for CHRIST and the enormous price she has paid for Him and her own life. I don't think there is a greater story than the one she has told and lived in this modern age. Yet there are possibly hundreds or thousands of young people paying the price to live for our loving Father by earthly fathers that out of fear and or pride are will to kill or cut of their children. This is a story that must be told it is the story of the loving all embracing GOD and one of HIS precious and endearing daughters who's life is one none of us can fully understand but need to know of.