CJ Werleman's book on Islam...

[onager]

7. How's this for a glowing recommendation?

If you want the whitewashed, pablum approach to Islam, Quran, and Muhammad, I'd suggest Karen Armstrong - at least she has some scholarly background in religious studies and religious history. Unfortunately (Werleman's) book reads like Karen Armstrong lite, only badly lacking in scholarship. For those interested in a more mature and reasoned approach on understanding the Quran at a basic level, I would recommend: "How to Read the Qur'an: A New Guide, with Select Translations."

From Amazon commenter DEWDDS, who identifies as an atheist, skeptic and freethinker. But obviously one with much knowledge about the Koran, since he repeatedly clobbers Werleman's errors and omissions in "Koran Curious." (I already posted the Amazon link above.)

Speaking of omissions - several commenters mentioned that Werleman was much more sarcastic and critical in his books about Xianity and Judaism. But this one on Islam was written in a more...cautious tone, with a lot less snark. Wonder why that could be?