Scott Bresinger

Time to get real!

Revisado: 03-06-18

This is a book that will hopefully guide people toward moderation. Both the "alt-right" and antifa left will find plenty to hate here, but Kurt Andersen mainly bemoans the fact that moderate conservatives have all but disappeared, replaced by wild eyed zealots who would like to watch the world burn. Therefore, he takes us on a historical journey through the weirdest parts of American history, in a tone that is equal parts wry and compassionate. He doesn't condemn foolishness, but asks if maybe we can do better. If you believe reason should be reasonable, this is a book for you

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The final chapter?

Revisado: 02-06-18

This may or may not be the last we hear from the Bobiverse, but if it is, this is a worthy sendoff. Of course, all three of the books can be considered as one novel (fun fact: the combined length is still less than any one of the "Game of Thrones" novels!) All in all, this saga is one of the most fun I've had with sci-fi in a long time. I'm going to miss "The Bob." I hope to hear more from Dennis E. Taylor, especially if Ray Porter is the narrator!

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Still not falling for shock tactics

Revisado: 07-15-17

Would you listen to No Is Not Enough again? Why?

Sure. There's a lot of information packed into a relatively small space. Understanding it all may require some repetition.

What other book might you compare No Is Not Enough to and why?

This is in many ways a fresh look at some of Ms. Klein's previous books, especially "The Shock Doctrine," "This Changes Everything" and "No Logo." She explains how authoritarian politics and neoliberal capitalism interact and feed off each other.

Which scene was your favorite?

The last section of the book is essentially a pep talk for progressives and moderates horrified by the rise of a quasi-fascist corporate goon. Some people, myself included, may think her idealism is a bit unrealistic. It's still great to hear it expressed in such a clear and calm fashion.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Her description of the community that developed around the Standing Rock protests.

Any additional comments?

No matter where on the political spectrum you fall, it's best to put your preconceptions aside and give it a fair listen. Speaking for myself, I didn't agree with everything Ms. Klein has to say, but I was still able to find plenty of common ground. Also, I thought Brit Marling's reading was both soothing and direct. I still can't figure out what was going on in "The OA," but that's another story.

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Navigating the world outside of church

Revisado: 01-21-17

If you could sum up The Way of the Heathen in three words, what would they be?

Humanism for everybody!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Way of the Heathen?

A full-throated advocate for humanism and social justice, Greta Christina provides some possible paths for fair-minded, reasonable and compassionate people to move forward once they've shed their attachment to the supernatural. She describes some of the conflicts within the secular community and defends her own positions with clarity, intellectual rigor and eminent good humor. She doesn't expect you to agree with her, but to consider where she's coming from and question your own assumptions against the available facts. In short, if you can't change the world, maybe you can change your mind.

What about Greta Christina’s performance did you like?

Her warm voice is sincere and sympathetic. She understands sadness and can communicate happiness and even frivolity without becoming saccharine.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If there weren't consent issues involved, I'd marry this book if I could. When people claim life would be empty without religion, this is a great response. I can't say what anybody would take away from this book, but it made me think and feel more deeply about moral and ethical issues.

Any additional comments?

This book was written for people, not trolls. If you're the latter, you'll probably hate it. If you hate it without reading it, that doesn't mean you're a troll, but it's a symptom.

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A unique voice in atheism/freethought

Revisado: 06-17-13

What did you love best about Deconverted?

As a loyal listener of the Thinking Atheist podcast, I tune in every week for Seth Andrews' calm but compassionate commentaries. He can be funny without being juvenile and biting without being angry. Regular listeners will know many of the "plot points" ahead of time, but "Deconverted" puts the story in a more linear, complete form. This book isn't intended as a straight memoir; there's plenty of space for the listener to fill in their own experience and connect. While some may feel he's holding back a bit, his main purpose is to engage the listener. This is a story, not a lecture. It also works as a very perceptive polemic from a "rugular guy" whose personal journey led him to seek knowledge beyond what made him feel good. He's looking for objective truth, not revealed wisdom.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deconverted?

For the podcast audience, this book offers a peek behind the curtain to how he got started and where he thinks the path could lead. I now have a richer understanding what the Thinking Atheist is all about.

What does Seth Andrews bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Andrews spent many years as a professional radio broadcaster and it shows. He has that deep, syrupy tone of voice that instantly makes you pay attention. He knows his voice is an instrument and he plays it well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"In a time of chaos...in a world of fear...one man stood up and started thinking!"

Any additional comments?

If you've never heard the podcast but were just curious, this world be a greeat introduction, although the podcast would be less expensive. If you're a Christian of moderate belief, you may find yourself actually identifying with Seth. If you're already an atheist, whether you've had a relious background or not, This book proves that you don't have to be a scientist or philosopher to make a solid case for reason and critical observation. The internet may be full of ridiculous ideas, but it also makes it easier to root out verifiable information and connect with others who have come to the same conclusion. Atheists used to be pretty lonely, but thanks to people like Seth, that's starting to change.

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