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saidtheraina's review
3.0
Pretty engaging survey of the "five major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism)."
The author was raised by Christians, and talks about how personal religion is and how tricky talking about it can be. And she did a pretty good job, from my perspective (though mine is not that far from hers, so might not be a good standard measure).
I learned a few things (standing out is the discussion of what Hinduism is versus Buddhism), and it didn't ping too many of my personal triggers in this area. Appreciated the transparency of approach.
Full color, cartoony illustration style, and yes, she does depict a certain prophet.
The author was raised by Christians, and talks about how personal religion is and how tricky talking about it can be. And she did a pretty good job, from my perspective (though mine is not that far from hers, so might not be a good standard measure).
I learned a few things (standing out is the discussion of what Hinduism is versus Buddhism), and it didn't ping too many of my personal triggers in this area. Appreciated the transparency of approach.
Full color, cartoony illustration style, and yes, she does depict a certain prophet.
amyjoy's review
3.0
(I'm changing this to an unequivocal 3 stars because I realized that this is a great resource for people just beginning to explore religion, and it would have been a great tool for me before I got a degree in Religious Studies.)
This is ... not what I was expecting. de Heer gives readers a very brief introduction to the history of the Big 5 world religions, and while there was some stuff I learned, in general, I think this is more for people who are not familiar at all with religion. As someone who already has a basic understanding of the religions she covered, it was mostly just rehashing what I already know. Also, she just kind of went over the boring parts of religion. I mean, I don't know how could have done it differently, but it just wasn't very interesting to me (as a Religious Studies major).
I think I might have liked this more if it were more a narrative about her personal experiences with religion because I found those parts really interesting.
This is ... not what I was expecting. de Heer gives readers a very brief introduction to the history of the Big 5 world religions, and while there was some stuff I learned, in general, I think this is more for people who are not familiar at all with religion. As someone who already has a basic understanding of the religions she covered, it was mostly just rehashing what I already know. Also, she just kind of went over the boring parts of religion. I mean, I don't know how could have done it differently, but it just wasn't very interesting to me (as a Religious Studies major).
I think I might have liked this more if it were more a narrative about her personal experiences with religion because I found those parts really interesting.
libscote's review
3.0
An interesting look at religion from one person's perspective. A good introduction to the five major religions.
elizabethlk's review
3.0
I've been wanting to learn more about religion in general, and when I came across Religion: A Discovery In Comics, I figured this would be a good place for me to start.
There isn't any indication on this book that it is meant for younger readers, but it definitely felt appropriate for young adult, or even middle grade. There is an abundance of exclamation points and story telling aspects that made it seem a bit younger than I expected. The illustrations are cute, and suit the subject. Despite it being a bit younger than expected, I did learn a bit from it, especially in the areas where my knowledge was weaker. The author took more of a personal take on a lot of areas, which was mostly beneficial, but occasionally seemed out of place and unnecessary. I also felt certain aspects seemed overly stereotypical, which I thought was really unfortunate.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for some background information on the major religions. If you're looking for in depth information, information on smaller religions, a purely personal tale, or a purely informational book, there are probably better reads out there for you.
There isn't any indication on this book that it is meant for younger readers, but it definitely felt appropriate for young adult, or even middle grade. There is an abundance of exclamation points and story telling aspects that made it seem a bit younger than I expected. The illustrations are cute, and suit the subject. Despite it being a bit younger than expected, I did learn a bit from it, especially in the areas where my knowledge was weaker. The author took more of a personal take on a lot of areas, which was mostly beneficial, but occasionally seemed out of place and unnecessary. I also felt certain aspects seemed overly stereotypical, which I thought was really unfortunate.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for some background information on the major religions. If you're looking for in depth information, information on smaller religions, a purely personal tale, or a purely informational book, there are probably better reads out there for you.
robertrivasplata's review
4.0
Would make a good intro to religion textbook. The art has quirky charm. The Author's personal history of Buddhism was kind of humorous.
spinat's review
4.0
Firstly, I have WON this amazing book in a Goodreads Giveaway! It is also a signed copy with the sweetest little picture which immediately melted my heart! Thank you so much, Ms de Heer!
Religion is not my cup of tea and never was, but I liked this book.
It is a very personl look at the phenomenon from an educated an overall sensible person plus some actual facts about five major religions. I have actually learnt something :)
It also reminds you about the difference between a religious institution, its history and faith/spirituality.
Now I've got a book to advise to those who are not sure about "what's that religion thing anyway", what to think about it and why it is important at all.
Religion is not my cup of tea and never was, but I liked this book.
It is a very personl look at the phenomenon from an educated an overall sensible person plus some actual facts about five major religions. I have actually learnt something :)
It also reminds you about the difference between a religious institution, its history and faith/spirituality.
Now I've got a book to advise to those who are not sure about "what's that religion thing anyway", what to think about it and why it is important at all.
erine's review
3.0
A brief overview of religion with brief looks at atheism, spirituality, and feminism. Think of it as dipping your toe into an ocean.