Soon after the World Trade Center towers fell on 9/11, it became clear the United States would invade Afghanistan. Writer and “This American Life” radio producer Scott Carrier decided to go there too. He wanted to see for himself: who are these fanatics, the fundamentalists, the Taliban and the like? What do they want?

In his new book, Prisoner of Zion, Carrier writes about his adventures, but also about the bigger problem. Having grown up among Mormons in Salt Lake City, he argues it will never work to attack the true believers head-on. The faithful thrive on persecution. Somehow, he thinks, we need to find a way—inside ourselves—to rise above fear and anger.

Prisoner of Zion is Scott Carrier’s second collection of dramatic tales and essays.