An outstanding book addressing the commonly asked questions--is Quran really word of God, how was it compiled, who is the author, have no changes been incorporated etc.The book describes in detail the importance of oral traditions and how they are continued in 21st century--chap 3 describes the journey of a 17yr old American teenager-Reem- in ensuring the continuation of the oral traditions.
Reader will also learn about the role played by some women and Jews during the life of the prophet. A great book written by a practicing Muslim female adresses most of the commonly asked questions regarding Quran and Muslims. Highly recommend it.

If you are among the fortunate ones to read Dr. Mattson's book before your first encounter with the Qur'anic narrative, I envy you. As a prison chaplain I offer that this book will be very pivotal in helping to broaden the frame of reference of new Muslims with limited access to traditional sources. Moreover, as a graduate student in seminary I suggest this introduction to the Qur'an will develop your intellectual capacity to hear God's Voice in the most subtle and generous ways possible. The Story of the Qur'an takes into account where mainstream America is and graciously extends an invitation to sit and engage the divine narrative in the classroom of Dr. Mattson. The normal patriarchal Qur'anic history meets herstory's narrative in this book and an absolutely inspiring transformation occurs to those who suffered from gender tone deafness. Read it for yourself and I guarantee you will never read the Qur'an the same way thereafter. First time readers of Qur'an will be enriched by the supportive and diverse resources to help novices be engaged intimately with the scripture. More seasoned Qur'anic readers are challenged to listen deeper and more affectionately to the Voice of God, so I envy the novices who will be able to listen to the Qur'an almost as if they were with the Prophet Muhammad and the first community of revelation both males and females.

If you are among the fortunate ones to read Dr. Mattson's book before your first encounter with the Qur'anic narrative, I envy you. As a prison chaplain I offer that this book will be very pivotal in helping to broaden the frame of reference of new Muslims with limited access to traditional sources. Moreover, as a graduate student in seminary I suggest this introduction to the Qur'an will develop your intellectual capacity to hear God's Voice in the most subtle and generous ways possible. The Story of the Qur'an takes into account where mainstream America is and graciously extends an invitation to sit and engage the divine narrative in the classroom of Dr. Mattson. The normal patriarchal Qur'anic history meets herstory's narrative in this book and an absolutely inspiring transformation occurs to those who suffered from gender tone deafness. Read it for yourself and I guarantee you will never read the Qur'an the same way thereafter. First time readers of Qur'an will be enriched by the supportive and diverse resources to help novices be engaged intimately with the scripture. More seasoned Qur'anic readers are challenged to listen deeper and more affectionately to the Voice of God, so I envy the novices who will be able to listen to the Qur'an almost as if they were with the Prophet Muhammad and the first community of revelation both males and females.