The Way of the Strangers cover art

The Way of the Strangers

Encounters with the Islamic State

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Way of the Strangers

By: Graeme Wood
Narrated by: Jeff Harding
Try Premium Plus free

Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.99

Buy Now for $26.99

About this listen

From Graeme Wood, author of the explosive Atlantic cover story 'What ISIS Really Wants', comes the definitive book on the history, psychology, character and aims of the Islamic State. Based on Wood's unprecedented access to supporters, recruiters and high-ranking members of the most infamous jihadist group in the world, The Way of the Strangers is a riveting, fast-paced deep dive into the apocalyptic dogma that informs the group's worldview, from the ideas that motivate it to the 'fatwa factory' that produces its laws to its very specific plans for the future. By accepting that ISIS truly believes the end is nigh, we can understand its strategy - and predict what it will do next.

©2016 Graeme Wood (P)2017 Audible, Ltd Freedom & Security Islam Middle East Politics & Government Religious Studies War & Crisis World Iran Middle Ages War Imperialism Law Africa Crusade

Critic Reviews

"Wood is a fearless, relentlessly curious and magnetically interesting writer who takes us on an intellectual and theological journey to the darkest places on the planet, and yet he manages to do this without despairing for our collective future. This book is a triumph of journalism." (Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief, The Atlantic)
All stars
Most relevant
An amazing insight into the Jihadists & Islamists of the world. The best book that describes the link between belief and action.

Incredibly Frightening & Enlightening!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Would you listen to The Way of the Strangers again? Why?

I will listen to this book again...It is bursting with great information that is unique to Graeme as he is the person interviewing and having first hand experiences with the people.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Way of the Strangers?

A very insightful book, written from the mind of a strong journalist who is interested in painting a truthful picture, only adding minimal moral commentary.

Have you listened to any of Jeff Harding’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Okay reading - voice is not my favourite and doesnt capture the voice or flavour of Graeme as i have heard him.

Any additional comments?

Give this a read if you want to understand ISIS. Get into their head first hand!

Fantastic book!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Graeme Wood uncovers the motivations and religious ideologies driving the Islamic State. The interviews, research, and level of background knowledge are first rate. His humorous and insightful commentary is refreshing and made me laugh out loud. This is easily one of the best books I have read on Islamic extremism.

The Full Monty

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.