Kevin Roose was an ordinary sophomore majoring in English at Brown University before he happened upon an original idea. When interning for writer A. J. Jacobs, Roose met some students at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University and became convinced there was a divide to be bridged between such God-oriented young conservatives and more typical secular college kids like himself. He met with a dean, and then went undercover for a semester at "Liberty." His book about the experience, The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University, is surprisingly funny as well as touching.

Roose writes about the religious, far-right campus with skepticism, but also affection. He was won over by his new evangelical friends in some respects, discovering common bonds of humanity, spirituality, and passion. Coming in for more criticism were the homophobic, intolerant, and anti-scientific sides of "Liberty" life.

Once ensconced in the Liberty world, the intrepid reporter plunged in, following the strict rules (for the most part), studying creationism, singing with the choir of Jerry Falwell's megachurch, and giving up swearing and drinking -- all the while taking voluminous notes on the sly.

The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University is a great read from a talented and entertaining writer who had the daring to suspend his own life to better understand another.

--Christine Bowman, Senior Editor, BuzzFlash.com

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Read more in the extended review.