Books I've Read

I'm a slow reader, busy, and love to read many different genres. Combine all that with the fact that I'm new to the freethought debate, and my list of books read isn't too impressive. However, I thought it might be helpful to list a few books.

The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason by Sam Harris
This is the first atheist book I ever picked up. I was immediately captivated by the the whole argument. While I was dubious about a couple of his arguments, overall he was able to reveal a new line of thinking to me.

Crimes Against Logic: Exposing the Bogus Arguments of Politicians, Priests, Journalists, and Other Serial Offenders by Jamie Whyte
While not a specifically freethought book, after reading The End of Faith, I decided I needed a little primer on logic. This was a great book for someone with no formal exposure to the subject.

Critical Thinking by Brooke Noel Moore
After reading Crimes against Logic, I was bitten by the critical thinking bug. This is a textbook that gave me a very thorough exposure to the basics.

Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking by D.Q. McInerny
Another very good book on critical thinking.

Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design by Michael Shermer
My explorations of freethought enevitably led me to Darwin. I found this great book that highlights the debate between evolutionists and intelligent design theorists. This was also my first Kindle book by the way.

Philosophers without Gods: Meditations on Atheism and the Secular Life by Louise M. Antony
A great book full of essays by some very smart people. Most of it I get, and it has really helped me understand some of my own thoughts and feelings as I explore this new world. A couple of the essays... not so much.

Raising Freethinkers: A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief by Dale McGowan
A book full of essays written by different people on the topic of raising kids without religion in a religious world.  Dale's Blog, The Meming of Life, is just brilliant; a great source of support for parents. Still waiting for Parenting Beyond Belief to come out in Kindle format.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
In order to strengthen my understanding of the religion I grew up in and make sure nobody accuses me of not being open-minded, I'll be reading books from the theist perspective from time to time. This one is recommended by many theists and non-theists as the quintessential book on Christianity. If this is the best that’s out there, I won’t be converting back anytime soon.

Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists by Dan Barker and Richard Dawkins
A powerful deconversion story.  I recommend this to anyone who wants to understand how someone can make the move from theism to atheism.