New book explores diversity of American Muslim population

Raised in Dayton, Ohio, Melody Moezzi took for granted being accepted as an individual and not being judged on her faith. But after September 11, 2001, Moezzi—a Muslim and Iranian-American -- woke up to narrowing public images and poorly informed opinions of Muslims in America. She became interested in exploring the variety of motivations and methods for practicing the Muslim faith and began collecting the stories of American Muslims — so she could show how many stories there actually are.    “Truth is the most important part of every faith,” Moezzi says. “At the moment people’s reference for American Muslims is completely inaccurate.”   As a lawyer, Melody is on a constant quest for justice, and she believes that a book like War on Error tips the scales in favor of truth over ignorance and hate.   At the same time, by talking with other American Muslims, she’s been able to turn inward to examine her own faith and responsibilities as an American. She plans to engage high school students about the stories and ideas in War on Error, since they seem to be the most open to changing their perception and stand to benefit, as future leaders, from dispelling the myths about Muslims and Islam. For more about Melody Moezzi and her book, War on Error, visit www.melodymoezzi.com Posted December 5, 2007