Books

This is by no means a complete list of books that I recommend. I have personally read all of the books listed below and I am recommending them to my visitors and readers. The list includes several children's books. Some of the books are fiction, but most are non-fiction. The books cover theism, atheism, science, critical thinking, and more. Knowledge is power!

Clicking on any of the book covers or titles will bring you to Amazon.Com to purchase the book. Amazon.Com gives a percentage of sales to the North Alabama Freethought Association (NAFA). This helps finance activism and Freethought in Alabama.

If you are an author or publisher and you would like for me to review a book, please send me an email to discuss the details. I review every book sent to me at a minimum on Amazon.Com and Barnes & Noble, but not all books warrant being listed on this page.

Recommended books are listed alphabetically by title.

	American Infidel: Robert G. Ingersoll (Non-Fiction) Author: Orvin Larson Publisher: Freedom from Religion Foundation, 1993 Review: This is an excellent book on Robert Ingersoll with plenty of his essays and speeches to read and enjoy. Some people refer to Ingersoll as the "Shakespeare of Oratory" and he always drew a large crowd wherever he went. Ingersoll was a prolific speaker, humanitarian and outspoken proponent of family and the rights of women and minorities. There is no better read than the works of Ingersoll.
	Atheism: The Case Against God (Non-Fiction) Author: George H. Smith Publisher: Prometheus Books, 1980 Review: Smith is at the forefront of Atheism defense and is a hardened veteran. While the book sometimes leans away from the layperson, it is a worthwhile read for the novice to the professional. Smith is forceful and frank, but clear and convincing. Be prepared for a mental challenge and a challenge to your belief and even your lack of belief. How well do you know Atheism or your god(s)?
	Atheist Universe: Why God Didn't Have A Thing To Do With It (Non-Fiction) Author: David Mills Publisher: Xlibris Corporation, 2004 Review: Mills’ book is an outstanding read that looks at the Atheistic universe. The book, which will be a smorgasbord of information for the beginning Atheist, a delight to read for the lifetime Atheist, and a resource for the questioning theist, has it all. Mills’ book dives in full-tilt into subjects like “fine tuning,” the “god of the gaps,” the “miracle” of life, creationism, Hell, miracles, and many others. Mills’ creative writing style, which does not require a PhD to understand, mixed with his use of humor and witty sarcasm (where appropriate) makes the book fun to read. Mills also leaves nothing desired when tackling the issues in his book. Mills does not hold back in discrediting creationism’s claim to be scientific and says what needs saying. In other words, Mills gets straight to the point. The book includes an “Interview with an Atheist” that covers many of the questions that people have when they first meet an Atheist. Mills then goes into chapter after chapter breaking these questions down further and expanding greatly on the answers to give the reader a greater idea of what Atheism is, what Atheism is not, and why Atheism is a justified and rational position for anyone to hold. You may or may not agree with everything that Mills has to say in his book, but you will not be lacking when it comes to a read that provokes thought and entertains. Part of Mills' book are available in audio format.
	Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design (Non-Fiction) Author: Richard Dawkins Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 1996 Review: A universe without design? Without intelligent design? Dr. Dawkins' looks at the evidence of evolution and how the universe dictates a universe without a grand designer; intelligent or not. The "Argument from Design" is not really an argument; it's an emotional plea based on our brain's necessity for pattern and design (such as seeing shapes in the clouds and faces of Jesus in spilt ice cream). Dawkins meticulously dismantles the "argument from design" and the assertion by Creationists that the universe and solar system are find-tuned by a creator to sustain life.
	Confessions of Judas (Fiction) Author: Michael Dickinson Publisher: Xlibris Corporation, 2000 Review: Dickinson looks at the gospels from the perspective of a confessional by Judas. While the book is a work of fiction, it uses Biblical scholarship as a foundation and identifies many problems with the New Testament accounts of Jesus' life. This book is a great for the novice looking for an easy read and the use of fiction to look at the problems with a supposedly non-fiction Bible.
	Delphinus Chronicles, The (Fiction) Author: R. G. Roane Publisher: Cherry Hill Publishing, 2002 Review: If you are looking for a book with intense and over-bearing character development, this is not it. If you are looking for a book with extremely in-depth plot lines that inter-twine and are difficult to follow; this is not it. If you are looking for a book that is fast-paced, intriguing, smooth flowing and gives you just enough information to know what is going on, then this is the book for you. What would happen if we found out how to communicate with dolphins? What would they know and more importantly, what would they tell us? Can we handle the truth? How would we as individuals and society deal with any gained knowledge about our origins, our history, and our sociology? If given certain knowledge, how will you deal with it? Find out in the intriguing book that takes a stab at science, religion, sociology, and psychology in ways that make you think about how you would react. Roane writes an intriguing tale. The book is easy to read, easy to follow along, and it may one day become non-fiction.
	Demon-Haunted World, The: Science As a Candle in the Dark (Non-Fiction) Author: Carl Sagan Publisher: Ballantine Books, 1997 Review: Why do people cling to pseudoscience and superstition? How dangerous is the scientific dumbing down of America and other countries? Why does pseudoscience and superstition persist? Sagan looks at these issues and a few more. When it comes to addressing the popular needs that superstition and pseudoscience have on the public, this is one of the best books available on the market.
	Duck Egg Blue (Fiction) Author: Derrick Neill Publisher: Prometheus Books, 1999 Review: Neill takes us into the life of a young man trying to keep religion out of his school and the difficulties that the battle creates on a personal and professional level. Duck Egg Blue is an excellent look into the life of an activist and the hardships encountered in a highly religious society. The book is compelling for older audiences, but is an easy enough read for younger audiences as well.
	Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy (Non-Fiction) Author: C. Dennis McKinsey Publisher: Prometheus Books, 1995 Review: This is perhaps one of, if not the most, comprehensive collections of Biblical errancy ever put into a book. McKinsey turns every stone as he looks to expose the errors, contradictions, and fallacies contained in the Bible. McKinsey's book is proof positive that there is a difference between reading the Bible and understanding the Bible.
	Evolution and the Myth of Creationism: A Basic Guide to the Facts in the Evolution Debate (Non-Fiction) Author: Tim M. Berra Publisher: Stanford University Press, 1990 Review: Berra’s book is an excellent book for the beginner that is looking to find common answers to the oft-used “arguments” which creationists present during a discussion or debate. Berra, in simple and layperson’s language, lays out the evidence for evolution, the evidence against creationism, and then shows that the creationist’s arguments are fallacious and often irrelevant to the discussion. Berra provides the reader with charts, graphs, and illustrations to better understand geologic time, the fossil record, the rise of humans, and much more. Berra devotes an entire chapter to the political and social ramifications of the science of evolutionary biology and other related fields of study. This is the perfect book for the beginner Atheist or the questioning theist. It is still a great read and a good refresher for even the most learned Darwinist and creationism debunker.
	Ghost in the Universe: God in Light of Modern Science (Non-Fiction) Author: Taner Edis Publisher: Prometheus Books, 2002 Review: This is not a book for the beginning or learning Atheist. Edis’ book requires a minimum understanding of philosophy, theological arguments, and general sciences. Edis, a professor of physics, writes for the advanced Atheist or theist at a collegiate level. Edis’ writing is eloquent and articulate and he strives to cover every angle of his arguments. Edis attempts to help the theist define a plausible god and then systematically goes through all the different types of theological arguments in an attempt to see if that idea of god is plausible. In the end, Edis shows that the idea of god is not plausible under scientific, philosophical, ideological, or logical reasoning. God falls in the realm of faith in the end. The beginner will find this book very hard to follow and will ultimately leave the book frustrated. For the advanced Atheist, this great read causes you to think about these traditional and non-traditional theistic arguments in a new light.
	How Do You Know It's True? (Non-Fiction) Author: Hy Ruchlis Publisher: Prometheus Books, 1991 Review: This is a great book for children learning the process of critical thinking. What is true and what is not? How can we tell the difference? I recommend this book for children 10 and older (younger if they are more mature than other kids are). This book is also a good read for adults that have questions about how best to teach their children critical thinking skills. Adults cannot help but come up with other examples and ideas after inspiration by the work that Ruchlis has done.
	NEW: 09FEB08 I Sold My Soul on eBay: Viewing Faith through an Atheist's Eyes (Non-Fiction) Author: Hemant Mehta Publisher: WaterBrook Press, 2007 Review: I have had the pleasure of meeting Hemant a few times now and on each occasion I was impressed with his amazing ability to express what most atheists feel in a way that anyone could understand. Hemant is incredibly articulate and he can express that articulation and ability to speak to the masses in his book. Hemant decided to hear the Christian message in churches and put it up for bid on eBay. The winning pastor asked him to visit multiple churches and write a critique about what he liked, did not like, and what can the churches do to attract non-Christians. Hemant offers an incredibly insightful critique of each church he visited, from a small rural church all the way to a 40,000 member mega-church. Hemant’s main point is that if Christians want to market toward non-Christians they need to change their message and image and appeal to non-Christians. Treating non-Christians as “the enemy” is not going to draw non-Christians to church. Hemant’s critique is honest, including listing things that he did like about the different churches. I Sold My Soul on eBay is a must read for pastors, preachers, priests, and ministers everywhere, especially ones motivated to appeal to non-Christians. The book is equally a must read for atheists to better understand the church environment and grasp the concept that most atheists already understand: Christians churches seem to advertise and market themselves to existing Christians, often as nothing more than attempt to draw worshipers away from other churches to theirs.
	Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism (Non-Fiction) Author: Michelle Goldberg Publisher: W. W. Norton, 2006 Review: No matter how bad you think it is, it is actually worse. Goldberg traces the roots of Christian Nationalists and their modern influence on politics and policy. Kingdom Coming is a scary ride along the very real upscale swing of Christian Nationalism in America as it makes every effort to take over the country and turn the United States into a theocracy based on a “Christian worldview.” As Goldberg identifies the players and how all of them coordinate with each other and tie into government offices, the reader is forced to accept that Christian Nationalists are deeply imbedded in our government and making forceful changes to policy and the way our government is run. Christian Nationalism, based on the mythology of a “Christian Nation” is running rampant in America and ready to take over. Goldberg’s book is required reading for secularists, liberals, intellectuals, and proponents of the separation of church and state. This is a must read for anyone that wants to know what the Christian Nationalist agenda is and how it will affect every American, regardless of their religious or non-religious beliefs.
	Life Without God: A Guide to Fulfillment Without Religion (Non-Fiction) Author: Nicolaos S. Tzannes Publisher: Publish America, 2004 Review: In the theism versus Atheism debate, morality is a gigantic subject. Dr. Tzannes knocks down the religious “moral high horse” and knocks it down with professional ease. What is harder to do is explain non-religious morality (especially to someone that needs a god to tell him or her how to behave). Morality based on happiness and fulfillment has been proposed before, but it has proven difficult to define “happiness” and even more difficult to setup a standard of “happiness” that can apply to all cultures and all communities. Dr. Tzannes has accomplished that task with his Neo-Humanism Theory. Dr. Tzannes puts into theory (using the scientific presentation) what many have tried to articulate before. The Neo-Humanism Theory holds great merit and ties together the thinking of almost all non-theists. Dr. Tzannes keeps the book in lay terms, allowing for a greater audience (although he admits he did not write the book to de-convert anyone). The use of personal dialogues to elaborate on his ideas is extremely useful for expressing those very ideas; the dialogues give the reader the ability to see the ideas mold themselves and become concrete. You may not agree with some of the details of Dr. Tzannes’ book, but the Neo-Humanism Theory is unarguably one of the best propositions for answering the question about non-religious morality and tackling the definition of happiness and setting up a standard that is usable worldwide. Are you mission happy? To find out if you are mission happy... read the book.
	Living in the Light: Freeing Your Child from the Dark Ages (Non-Fiction) Author: Anne Stone and Ellen Johnson Publisher: American Atheists Press, 2000 Review: This book helps classify the different personality types of children and identify where they are vulnerable to cult activities and other religious forms. The book is a great resource for parents that want to rear their children to be free of superstition, pseudoscience, and supernaturalism. Many parents ask me how best to raise their children as humanists, Atheists, or critical thinkers. The only answer I can give is that you can only give your children the tools they need and hope they use them correctly when they go out on their own. This book is one of the tools that you as a parent will need to identify what kinds of tools to give to your children and how best to avoid letting them fall into the trap of superstition and supernaturalism.
	Losing Faith In Faith (Non-Fiction) Author: Dan Barker Publisher: Freedom from Religion Foundation, 1992 Review: Barker’s book is one of the better books in print about the path taken from theism to Atheism. Dan Barker is a preacher-turned-Atheist and this book is the story of his journey. The personal insight and emotion accompanied by necessary "technical talk" is a wonderful combination for a great read. Barker runs the Freedom from Religion Foundation and fights for the separation of church and state. Barker's ability to express his meaning in terms that the majority of readers can understand is a direct reflection of his outstanding character and human nature.
	MacMillan Encyclopedia of World Religions (Non-Fiction) Author: MacMillan Publishing Publisher: MacMillan Reference Books, 1998 Review: If there is one encyclopedia that you buy, this should be it. This book is a valuable resource that I use at least on a weekly basis. The encyclopedia breaks each religion into a set standard of topics so each section. This standard provides for ease of navigation to find the information you want. The encyclopedia presents religions in fact format without any interference from bias or religious prejudice. If you want to learn about a religion without being a theologian, this is the book you need.
	Maybe Right, Maybe Wrong (Non-Fiction) Author: Dan Barker Publisher: Prometheus Books, 1992 Review: This child’s book looks at morality and how to determine right and what is wrong. What should we use as a way to determine right from wrong? How do we make the choice between two wrongs? My children loved the flow of this book and enjoyed trying to figure out the best path for the characters to take. The book has inspired my children to think about issues of morality and to think about the repercussions of their actions and the actions of others. I recommend this book for children ages 8 and up.
	Neurotheology: Virtual Religion in the 21st Century (Non-Fiction) Author: Laurence O. McKinney Publisher: American Institute for Mindfulness, 1994 Review: This excellent book looks into the possible biological foundation of religious thought. McKinney uses the analogy of the computer to help readers understand the neural processes of the brain. The forming of a large brain brought with it many aspects that would mold our ancestors; the recognition of patterns and the concept of time, repetitive actions that create a trance-like experience called spiritual or "feeling the spirit.” Have the prophets of the past simply figured this out and tapped into the neurotheological aspect of our biological brains? McKinney does not pretend to know all the answers, but he leaves the reader with much to process and ponder. Neurotheology may not answer all your questions, but it will certainly make you think about those questions and answers.
	One Nation Under God (Fiction) Author: Vincent M. Wales Publisher: DGC Press, 2004 Review: Wales takes us on a journey down the path of theocracy in the United States. The book only uses pages from diaries, e-mails, and web pages, as well as clippings from news reports to tell his saga. This distinctive approach to storytelling is vital to getting closer to the characters; it makes the story more personal as you submerge deeper into the personal turmoil and triumph faced by the characters. You will not want to put the book down because you must know what happens next to each character as the plot thickens and the drama plays out in front of you. I found myself finishing a chapter and glancing at a clock to see that it was three in the morning. Mr. Wales takes us into what a possible theocracy in the United States will look like and how it will affect people through the writings of those creating the theocratic policies and those affected by them. One of the main characters affected by these policies is the daughter of the very theocrat pushing his religion upon the citizens of the United States, even if he is nothing more than a marionette in the hands of another power-hungry theocrat. Historic theocracies have turned corrupt and such holds true in Wales’ story. Wales looks at numerous issues that are at the heart of social debate today and weaves them into his story seamlessly. When you finish reading the book, you will find yourself pondering these issues and thinking about people affected by such issues. You may not change your mind or stance, but at least you will be thinking about it. A sign of a good book is not just a good story, but a story that makes you think and ponder the issues; a story that makes you consider things with a different perspective and perhaps, just perhaps, persuades you to be more accepting of people that are different than you. Wales’ book should appeal to a wide audience, from all ranges of life, regardless of their religious affiliation, sexual preference, political position, ethnic background, or social belief. If more people understand the ramifications of theocracy, there might be fewer people desiring one in the United States.
	Remedial Christianity: What Every Believer Should Know About the Faith, but Probably Doesn't (Non-Fiction) Author: Dr. Paul Laughlin Publisher: Polebridge Press, 2000 Review: Without a doubt, the best book out there on basic Christian theology for laypersons. While a fitting title would have been "Christianity for Dummies," it is appreciably better than the Dummy series. The read is easy and Laughlin makes an extra effort to keep the book at a layperson's level. Laughlin has written a great book for Christians and non-Christians. I buy this book for Christians as a Christmas present. Most Christians know very little about the faith they profess to follow. Remedial Christianity looks at the history of the Bible to include origins of the gospels and the path of existence for dogmas and doctrines.
	Rot on the Vine: the Many Dark Faces of Religion (Fiction) Author: J. Stenesh Publisher: Cogno Press, 2004 Review: Using a blend of fiction and non-fiction, Stenesh weaves stories about the dark faces of religion. Stenesh covers many subjects as he tells stories relating to how religionists twist their theology to do harm to others. I found it hard to put the book down as I read the short stories. Stenesh does a good job of bringing the characters to life in each short story. Each story, while a blend of fiction and non-fiction, could easily be completely non-fiction. Readers will especially enjoy the stories of the Priest, Imam, and Rabbi; ripped from today’s headlines. Stenesh plunges into the future of religious thought by taking us to the future Atlantis through a conversation with the high priest. Whether atheist or theist, this is a great book to read for a better understanding of the darker side of religious thought. Even the religionist needs to recognize the darker side of his or her faith. The first part to getting rid of radical extremists that would do harm is for each religion to recognize that they exist among them. Stenesh helps the reader make that recognition, no matter what faith or non-faith the reader’s background may be. No matter one’s theological background you will end this book with the gears in your brain turning. Any book that makes you think is a good book.
	Selfish Gene (Non-Fiction) Author: Richard Dawkins Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1990 Review: Dawkins continues his ability to reach the non-scientific community with science. Dawkins' book looks at the "reformulation of the theory of natural selection" in a way that is easy for the non-scientific and scientific alike. Dawkins is a great representative for science and even better at bringing science into the home of the public. Dawkins continues this tradition in The Selfish Gene as he discusses natural selection and forces people to rethink their beliefs about life and the origins thereof. I have had the pleasure of listening to and meeting Dawkins in California (Berkeley), which only reinforced my conclusion that Dawkins is one of the best representatives for science that the modern world has seen and heard.
	Tales of the Rational: Skeptical Essays About Nature and Science (Non-Fiction) Author: Massimo Pigliucci Publisher: Atlanta Freethought Society, 2000 Review: This is a superb book by an exceptional freethinker and scientist. Pigliucci’s book looks at science, religion, and Freethought, then groups them all together in a working order. Major issues are covered and everything is in non-technical language except where technical terms are unavoidable. Pigliucci is one of the rising stars of science for the public and we should expect great things from him in the future, including more books. Pigliucci also has a monthly column called Rationally Speaking.
	Unweaving the Rainbow: Science, Delusion and the Appetite for Wonder (Non-Fiction) Author: Richard Dawkins Publisher: Mariner Books, 2000 Review: If we understand the complexity and workings of a rainbow, does it make it less appealing? Does knowledge of the intricacies of the universe and nature prevent us seeing its beauty? Is science spiritual, poetic, and romantic? Richard says we can know the knowledge of the rainbow and find it more beautiful and intriguing because we have that knowledge and that science is poetic and spiritual. The book can be a bit long-winded at times but is worth is in the end. Many non-religionists find their spirituality in the beauty of nature. Dawkins reminds us that spirituality and religion are not synonymous. Science is beautiful and knowing how something works makes it even more beautiful. The quest for knowledge is a quest for things more beautiful.
	What About Gods? (Non-Fiction) Author: Chris Brockman Publisher: Prometheus Books, 1979 Review: Brockman writes a children’s book that looks at belief in god and why people believe in gods. The book helps to hone critical thinking skills and holds no punches when talking about gods and beliefs in gods. For parents wanting a gentler approach to discussing gods with their children, this book may be a bit too much for your desired effect. The book is perfect for what it does, especially for those parents that want to take the direct approach with their children when talking about belief in gods. The book covers as much ground as possible in its pages and with the restriction of writing for a younger audience. Prepare for a post-book discussion with your children. I recommend this book for children ages 8 and up.
	What Is Atheism? (Non-Fiction) Author: Douglas Kreuger Publisher: Prometheus Books, 1998 Review: This excellent book looks at many topics surrounding the Atheism versus theism arena. The title of the book is slightly misleading because the book is mostly a justification for Atheism and counter-arguments against common theistic "arguments" and not a "definition of Atheism.” Krueger presents logical arguments for Atheism and against theism. This is a great book for every level of knowledge and is an easy read. The book is setup in outline format so it is easy to follow the chain-of-though and flow of argument.
	Why I Am Not a Christian, and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects (Non-Fiction) Author: Bertrand Russell Publisher: Touchstone, 1967 Review: "I am as firmly convinced that religions do harm as I am that they are untrue," Russell declares in his Preface. Russell’s reasoned opposition to any system or dogma which he feels may shackle man's mind runs through all the essays in this book, whether they were written as early as 1899 or as late as 1954. While published in 1967, Routledge offers a reprint from 2004.