July 4th: Celebrating 250 Years of Progress
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
On the 4th of July, 1776, 56 delegates from 13 colonies joined together in the Second Continental Congress to adopt the Declaration of Independence. This document declared the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain, established the founding of the United States of America, and defined the philosophical principles by which it was to proceed.
This 4th marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. In its first quarter of a millennium, the United States has often fallen short of the principles listed in its founding document. However, through it all, there have still been countless stories of revolution, independence, freedom, and emancipation. Take this opportunity to learn these stories through selections from the Goodshelf catalog:
A Battle for the Soul of Islam Written by M. Zuhdi Jasser, this book argues for a reform-minded understanding of Islam that supports democracy, individual liberty, and pluralism. Jasser discusses challenges facing Muslim communities and examines the tension between political Islam and democratic values. The book emphasizes the importance of freedom of conscience and civic engagement.
How to Be a Muslim In this memoir, Haroon Moghul reflects on his personal journey as a Muslim growing up in America. The book combines autobiography, religious reflection, and social commentary. Moghul discusses faith, identity, family, and the challenges of being both deeply Muslim and fully American.
Six Truths and a LieWritten by Ream Shukairy, this young-adult thriller follows a Muslim teenager who becomes involved in a mystery after a terrorist attack. The novel explores themes of prejudice, identity, friendship, and belonging. It challenges stereotypes about Muslims and encourages readers to think critically about assumptions.
If you have a recommendation that isn’t in our catalog, don’t hesitate to go to https://www.goodshelf.org/recommend and make a submission!
