3 Stars Good book, could do without the punch-up
The Quotable Atheist is a good book, and by far the best collection of quotes that I have come across so far. Unfortunately, much of the credibility of the book is compromised by the author's frequent unnecessary interjections, which come across very much as an unwanted accomplice shouting encouragements from the background, which mostly boil down to "yeah, in your FACE!"
Here is an example from a quote from Peter A. Angeles: "'…Why did He suddenly desire to create the universe?' (He got hungry and needed someplace to order a pizza from?)" Ka-pow! Whackity-schmackity doo! Take THAT, theists!
In the context of an otherwise thought-provoking book, Huberman's comedic punch-up often comes across as intellectually underwhelming and juvenile. While his enthusiasm is appreciated, quote after quote seems to lose credibility after being debased with his unnecessary rhetoric. At any moment, I expected to read the words, "ohh, you got OWNED!" following one of the well-worded quotations.
Lowbrow yuk-yuks aside, the book is a veritable treasure trove of quotes dating from the present to well before the time of Jesus Christ. It is an interesting and unique perspective on atheism throughout history, and definitely has a place in the collections of anyone who has ever faltered away from religious faith.
4 Stars Entertaining read; poor reference book
I read this e-book cover to cover, highlighted many quotes, and annotated several. It truly is potential ammunition for non-theists, as the subtitle says–against proselytizers and fundamentalists of all stripes.
I say it is a "poor reference," because it does not have a table of contents. And–this is a criticism of Kindle more than this particular book–even highlighted entries are not organizable–or attributable (that is, highlight a particularly pithy quote or section thereof, and the only source saved with the comment is the book, not the actual author).
That being said, I feel it was a good use of $10.00 and I will continue to peruse it (although not refer to it) for some time to come.
2 Stars hmmmmm
The author turned what could have been a 4-5 star book into a vehicle to bash the Bush/Cheney administration. Why the hell that was necessary is beyond me.
5 Stars A Book Every Thinking Person Should Read
This is not just for Non-Believers as stated in the title. It should be
mandatory reading and discussion for everyone over the age of 13. There's
also some good humor that not only made me chuckle as well as think about
what I read.
5 Stars Annotated Atheist's Guide
Another vote for five stars. Laughed out loud. Very brief well-chosen selections serve as a guide to the primary sources. Donate a copy to the school library.
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Lance Armstrong has many flaws, but he is also a very self motivated person. I think experiencing something as intense as cancer would desensitize certain aspects of anyone's character and personality.
Being in the public eye gives him a very one
dimensional persona. He seems stoic and self-
contained in photo's even when he smiles.