I really enjoyed this book. I originally bought it at Barnes & Noble. Before I read this book I read The Missionary Position by the same author. My real interest in this book stemmed from reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. If I were to compare the two, I would say that Dawkins' book is better. I only say this because while Hitchens basically explains everything that is bad with religion, Dawkins goes beyond to propose possible reason about how and why religion began and why it has held on so long. Both books are great reads, however.

I'm starting a book ray with this book.

**US & Canada only**

RULES

If you want to be on the book ray, send me a PM with your screen name and city & state (or province). I'll try to arrange it so the book doesn't have to go cross-country several times.

When you receive the book make a journal entry. It only has to be "I got the book."

Please try to read the book within 3 weeks(2 1/2 weeks would be preferrable). If you can't finish it in that time please PM me and also the next person on the list to let us know.

Once you finish the book PM the next person in line so they can send you their address. Make a journal entry saying you have finished the book and when you will ship it to the next person.

If you need more time before you get the book, tell me and I will try to move around the list so another person can read the book before you are able to.

Okay, so this is the list I have. If anyone has a problem with this, please tell me.


le7 (US)
MoonBeach03 (US)
Bibliocrates (US)<<< THE BOOK IS HERE
literarylover (US)
tranq1 (US)
CanticleLost (US)
allysther (US)
spoiledrotten (US)
oi-reader (US)
ifyouknew (Canada)
ajsmom (Canada)
pitluv4 (Canada)

I'm officially calling this bookray stalled. It's been four months and literarylover hasn't replied to my pm's.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I'm starting the bookring by sending the book to le7 tomorrow. Remember to make an entry when you receive the book and another when you release it to the next person. PM the next person in line to get their address on where to send the book next.

got it - thank you!
in the middle of a book now, but this will be next up.

thanks again!

I was really disappointed by this book. Maybe because I read such a good review of it and was very interested in what the author had to say.
But instead of an intelligent discussion, I found myself reading a very religious book. Not a religion focusing on god, but still a religion (= all other religions are evil. believe ME. i know the truth). There are some interesting observations and important points about religion and what it does and doesn’t do. But in general all the author wants to say is that religion is evil, leads humans to do evil things to themselves, their children, their friends and enemies and to ruin the world. when he encounters a violent fanatic, he explains his actions as motivated by religion. when he tells of a religious figure who acts compassionately - it is out of human morality and religion has nothing to do with it. The one time he is willing to admit that a religious individual did a good deed because of his religion, Hitchens doesn’t even discuss it. i kept feeling i was reading the rantings of a man on a mission.

the other thing that bothered me were inaccuracies. Jerusalem Syndrome is not harmful to others and there is no "special ward" in Jerusalem for those who suffer from it. the cure is to send individuals home - away from Jerusalem. Jewish fundamentalists wait for the 3rd Temple, not the 2nd. and i can keep going. I can only assume what Hitchens did to other religious facts i am less knowledgeable about.
He also doesn’t discuss the fact that religions evolve and that the discussing Biblical Judaism or Islam during the time of the Caliphs, is not what we see today. Instead he treats all religions as if what they were is still relevant today. And if they do change, he views this as proof that they are false. In short, I expected an intellectual discussion and got ramblings.

I admit that after a while I started skipping around. Since the text isn't exactly organized, it didnt matter much. Maybe I skipped something very important.

He does bring interesting stories. I would have liked to hear more about coversion tactics - why they are used and how. the story of Marjoe was really interesting and i think would have helped explain the inner workings of what Hitchens was trying to say. But we never got there. Some of the points he makes are worth further examination, but i didnt find any of that in this book.

that said ;0) thank you VERY much for sharing! i'm glad i read it.

PMed the next in line and waiting for the address.

mailed this morning!
enjoy

The book arrived safely in Covington, TN today. I will begin reading asap. Thanks!

I found this book to be a very interesting read. While I agreed with some points the author made, most times I would find myself rolling my eyes at other things he says. Hitchens' ego is at times very annoying. However, it was interesting to see his point on things. Thanks for the opportunity to read snapdragongirl!

This will be on its way to Bibliocrates tomorrow!

I released this book on September 30th. I sure hope bibilocrates received it ok.

This book arrived safely in my mailbox here in Trinity, Alabama yesterday. Thank you for sending it my way MoonBeach03, can't wait to read it, as it's been on my wish list for a long time.

I moved this book to the top of Mount Toobie and will get to it next, sent a PM to literarylover for an address. Time flies, sorry :/

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Thanks for sharing this book snapdragongirl. I will post it on to literarylover on Monday.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book is on its way to literarylover to continue the ray. My apologies for the delay, hope you enjoy it :)