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h3dakota's review
3.0
I'd actually give this one 3.5 stars - I would have loved a more fleshed out version even better. More details, more ideas on how to turn the tide would have been great. Also, a bit more details on how we got to where we are - sometimes, you really have to examine how you got somewhere before you can understand how to find your way out of there. :) For a lighter read, it was really quite good - plus, the audio version read by the author was enjoyable, with the intro by Richard Dawkins read by the same.
pingthevile's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, it contained good information. Faircloth's inconsistent use of sarcasm as humor was disconcerting, however, and hurt the seriousness of the book's main points.
iggymcmuffin's review against another edition
4.0
Decent book. Very short. Not a lot of detail. Good message, however.
zena_ryder's review against another edition
2.0
Not including references is an unforgivable sin. I've no problem with anecdotes — indeed I agree with Faircloth that they're necessary, in order to pique people's interest and activate their compassion — but the claims he makes necessitate references. Even if he wanted to keep the book thin and readable for the "average" person (a fine aim) the references could be put on a website. There is no excuse.
As for the material, much of it is incredibly disturbing. Religious extremists on the Christian right do seem to hold a disproportionate amount of power in the US. (If indeed what he says is true. I am inclined to believe that it is, but that could be my own confirmation bias talking.) It is written in an upbeat, lively style. A quick, enjoyable read that panders to your already-held beliefs, if you're a passionate secularist.
I was particularly looking forward to the "what we can do about it" part of the book. First, as I was aware, this is a book just about the United States, and much of the advice doesn't apply to elsewhere (I'm in Canada). Second, some of it is plain silly for the "average" person, such as running for office! Third, on a personal level, I was disappointed because I'm already doing many of the things (because I help run a branch of the Centre for Inquiry). I wanted something revolutionary and exciting, after hearing Faircloth's inspiring speech at the Imagine No Religion 3 conference. But I didn't find it here.
However, if this book encourages more Americans to be less complacent about the erosion of the wall between church and state, that's a good thing. If it encourages some of them to do something about it (donating to and/or joining a branch of the Center for Inquiry or donating to American Atheists, for example), then that's fantastic.
As for the material, much of it is incredibly disturbing. Religious extremists on the Christian right do seem to hold a disproportionate amount of power in the US. (If indeed what he says is true. I am inclined to believe that it is, but that could be my own confirmation bias talking.) It is written in an upbeat, lively style. A quick, enjoyable read that panders to your already-held beliefs, if you're a passionate secularist.
I was particularly looking forward to the "what we can do about it" part of the book. First, as I was aware, this is a book just about the United States, and much of the advice doesn't apply to elsewhere (I'm in Canada). Second, some of it is plain silly for the "average" person, such as running for office! Third, on a personal level, I was disappointed because I'm already doing many of the things (because I help run a branch of the Centre for Inquiry). I wanted something revolutionary and exciting, after hearing Faircloth's inspiring speech at the Imagine No Religion 3 conference. But I didn't find it here.
However, if this book encourages more Americans to be less complacent about the erosion of the wall between church and state, that's a good thing. If it encourages some of them to do something about it (donating to and/or joining a branch of the Center for Inquiry or donating to American Atheists, for example), then that's fantastic.
themadkow's review against another edition
4.0
It's good but could be better :)
Some chapters are extremely entertaining, and some just a-bit boring.
Some chapters are extremely entertaining, and some just a-bit boring.
nooker's review against another edition
5.0
This book was awesome! Lays out exactly why we need to follow the founding fathers and get and keep the separation of church and state.
passer_by's review against another edition
4.0
The cover art does this book a disservice. It is well written, well-researched, and makes a strong case that the religious right has hijacked the ideals of our forefathers and turned them on their head. I like that the author actually outlines a plan and methodology for reinstating Jeffersonian separation of church and state. He writes with passion and argues convincingly that fighting for secularism in our laws and government figures is one of the most compassionate and truly good things that we can do.
mscalls's review
dark
informative
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, and Religious bigotry
marziesreads's review against another edition
4.0
If only more people actually read the Constitution and American History...