Greta ChristinaReseñas

I would have liked this book more if it spent more time on the comforting thoughts about death and less on the nothing to do with God -- I've been an atheist for my entire life and don't need that kind of affirmation. It felt like the majority of the book was arguing for a secular/non-religious framework, and I wish there'd been more detail on the comforting thoughts. Instead, they were quickly enumerated and not discussed in the detail spent on tearing down a religious framework.

I love the conversational and compassionate, empathetic style of writing she has. In addition to that, while this book is more or less geared toward atheists who are thinking of coming out, there is more than a little something in here for everyone. For atheists who are already partially out, already completely out. Even theists can get something out of reading this. Great book.

I really, really love this book. It came early in the mail and I was excited to see it! I was also surprised at the size of it. It was kind of small. But, boy, does it have a lot of important stuff packed in there!

It wasn't exactly what I was expecting when I read the title and decided to buy it, but it turned out to be even better!

I was expecting maybe a lot of quotes and anecdotes and stories from or about atheists who had something to say to comfort people who had gone through experiences where a loved one died and were tired of hearing about religion and prayer from everyone around them. Maybe even a poem or two. Kind of like Chicken Soup for the Soul except without the soul bit.

Don't get me wrong, there was definitely some of that in there (no poems, though) but a lot of it was about the difference between secular ways of viewing and coping with death, our own and that of our loved ones (even our pets), and how it's possible to derive comfort from secular philosophies about life and death. About why we shouldn't concede the point of comfort to religion alone.

The author doesn't just say those things, though. She explains why she feels that way, and I think she makes very compelling arguments for that.

This book is not just written for people who are already secular. This is also a book I think religious people could find useful, as well. And indeed, it seems that the author intended it that way.

There's also a handy resource guide at the back of the book that gives you suggestions for looking into the subject matter further.

I'm definitely glad that I picked this up. It's a short read, reasonably-sized font, and doesn't take up a lot of time. At the same time, I think it's the kind of book that you'll put on your shelf and go back to many times. Definitely worth the buy and I'd certainly recommend it!

Great book. Engaging and written in Greta Christina's signature conversational tone. Filled with good ideas and awesome outlooks on life and love and happiness and getting along in the world. Short chapters and a definite page-turner. I would definitely recommend this book to others and I absolutely see myself rereading it.

Like with all of her other books, Greta's writing here is conversational and easy to read and follow. If you've ever heard her speak, in person or in an online video or on a podcast, you can easily read this while imagining her literally speaking the words to you. I love the conversational and compassionate, empathetic style of writing she has. In addition to that, while this book is more or less geared toward atheists who are thinking of coming out, there is more than a little something in here for everyone. For atheists who are already partially out, already completely out. Even theists can get something out of reading this. Great book.

Greta Christina does a great job of explaining things clearly and making them easily understandable. Her writing voice is wonderful in that I'm never left confused as to what she means. Every time I read something of hers, I can't imagine how anyone could misinterpret or misunderstand what she says and what she means because even when she's giving examples or going into detail about something, she says exactly what she means. This book is absolutely no exception.

I also think it's a rather important book. It's well thought-out, expressed, and sourced. It's not even that long but it still says everything it needs to say. It answers some really persistent questions that a lot of people seem to ask quite often and I think it'd be an easy and quick read for people who have those questions, if they're honestly interested in getting an answer to them, or at least an understanding.

I think everyone should read this book at least once, both atheists AND theists, regardless of whether or not you agree with Greta Christina. This book is mostly addressed to theists, but there is something for atheists as well in each chapter. Not to mention there are some chapters and sections addressed entirely TO other atheists.

It started off well and ended well enough, but I thought it dragged in the middle with too much repetition.

Notes jotted down while reading:
10/29/2012 page 19
10.0% "I hadn't heard of these Protocols of the Elders of Zion."
11/03/2012 page 87
47.0%
11/08/2012 page 89
48.0% "Adolph [sic] Hitler, eh?"

Despite the title, there is a good deal of talk about God in this book! One of the issues I have with a lot of atheist books is that they seem to continually define their perspective contra theism. So while there are quite a few interesting (and comforting, depending on who you are) thoughts about death in this book, too much of it is arguing against theistic ideas or criticising the way theists may communicate with atheists about death and grieving. What I'd like to see is a book that makes no reference to religion but provides a discussion about death, grieving and journeying through toward and/or through these experiences that is comforting. Having said that, the book is worth reading to get a sense of what options there may be for approaching death and grieving from a secular perspective. Christina rights with sensitivity and warmth and it is timely that a calm conversation begins amongst secularists about one of the great certainties of life -- death.½

It's okay. It's a good introduction to atheism, but if you've followed a couple of blogs, you've heard it before.

An interesting essay explaining why the author rejected religion and providing a thorough critique of various types of religious (mainly Christian) forms of belief. This is, unsurprisingly US-centric. Strongly felt, but also very logical.

If you're a beginner and wondering how to speak whore without offending the locals, this is a good practical start.