Exert from Fire by Kristin Cashore

My fun book of the moment is "Fire" by Kristin Cashore which is about a woman "monster" who is also a soldier. In this book a monster looks like any other animal but is brightly colored and has the power to enchant and read minds. Women monsters are particularly dangerous because of their beauty. They drive men mad without trying. Fire attempts to make herself more human by wearing over-sized men's clothing and a head scarf to cover her scarlet hair. Here is a quote from Fire that I think illustrates the importance of hijab.

Why did hatred so often make men think of rape? And there was the flaw in her monster power. As often as the power of her beauty made one man easy to control, it made another man uncontrollable and mad.

A monster drew out all that was vile, especially a female monster, because of the desire, the endless perverted channels for the expression of malice. With all the weak men, the sight of her was a drug in their minds. What man could use hate and love well when he was drugged?

Just thought I would share. Its a really good book so far. "Graceling" is also a fun read.

Salaam