Would any atheist form a reading partnership with the Asker?

Question

I am looking for an atheist (or agnostic) to tell me one book of 800 pages or less, and return the favour by reading one book I recommend. The subject can be any of your choice - evolution, history, anything really. We will both have about a month to read the book.

This is simply an exercise to increase understanding. I have found that many atheists or agnostic often feel that religious people don't really understand their views because they don't read with an open mind. I am willing to do that, but in return you must do the same. Religious people often also have the same objection.

I will choose the first person who *respectfully* replies with the name of the book. If I am unable to obtain a copy of your book, I will go to the next answerer. We will exchange weekly updates and on 30th November 2009 we will email each other our personal reflections.

NB: Those who don't intend to read the book my recommendation with an open mind kindly refrain from answering.

Answer 1

Why don't you just recommend a book, and I'll consider reading it? I don't care what you read or what you believe.

Answer 2

I agree with Pin-Pusher, secret book obligations is too game theory for me. I'd probably suggest some narative fiction, like American Gods, something by Terry Pratchet, or Northern Lights. I wouldn't want to give you an 800 page book that would either require you pull out your old textbooks or wait for an explanation to understand it. If you aren't fascinated by a subject, the that can be tedious.

Oo, or something by Salmon Rushdie.



add some titles to additional details, and I'll take a look.



Oh, if you want non-fiction, then maybe "Hero with a Thousand Faces".



edit: If it gets to me, then either Small Gods, by Terry Pratchett or Satanic Verses, by Salmon Rushdie, your choice. I think both are an interesting take on humankind's relation with the supernatural, in a 'monotheist' worldview. I already own a Qu'ran, my Muslim sister-in-law and brothe gave it to me a long time ago. I could easily finish reading it in under a month, and might just do that anyways.

Answer 3

Just Six Numbers, by Martin Rees



A Breif history of time, by Carl Sagan (CORRECTION: Stephen Hawking)



The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution, by Richard Dawkins



Please remember to check my profile, there's many a religious text I've already read.

Answer 4

While I'm not offering to take part, mostly because I'm lazy and can't be bothered with an experiment of this nature at the moment (lot of university work to do, along with some creative writing for a writing group), I just wanted to say that this sounds like an interesting idea and kudos for the suggestion.



Espeon: Ugh, you make me cry.

Answer 5

LUCID: A breif history of time is by Stephen Hawking not Carl Sagan

Answer 6

Well this does sound like fun, but apparently I am too late. Should your experiment fail, keep me in mind. I have an excellent book for you.

Answer 7

Ok



Make it *Mere Christianity* by (C.S. Lewis)



It's less than three hundred, and it's an interesting read by the man who gave us Narnia.



Oh and I'm an atheist too...lol

Answer 8

The Selfish Gene would be a great choice, even though it's not actually about religion.

Answer 9

I have always loved to learn. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't also enjoy TV. Throughout the day it is a book usually.

Answer 10

Tv set is produced to the cheapest common denominator - i.e., the average IQ of everyone, whereas a book is written to the highest common denominator

Answer 11

i have a book, i have read the bible already but i will read your version as well, let me get the link tomorro and i will send it to you. it is about LaVeyan satanism. (no it is not devil worship)

Answer 12

Ohh! You could read The Host, by Stephanie Meyer (she did twilight, and even if you didn't like that, this is a good read)



I'm not sure if it more that 800pg, but it is a big book. Plus it n awesome book to.