treyhunner's review against another edition
In case you didn't know, I'm an atheist (also a naturalist).
I enjoyed hearing the stories in this book. I especially appreciated the author comparing and contrasting coming out LGBTQ and coming out as atheist, as well discussions around around intersectionality and community inclusivity.
I enjoyed hearing the stories in this book. I especially appreciated the author comparing and contrasting coming out LGBTQ and coming out as atheist, as well discussions around around intersectionality and community inclusivity.
ricm's review
3.0
It's a good book.
A good, if not a bit obtuse guide to coming out as an atheist. Practical if you need help on the subject.
A good, if not a bit obtuse guide to coming out as an atheist. Practical if you need help on the subject.
arensb's review against another edition
3.0
Three stars not because there's anything wrong with this book -- it's fine. It's a good overview of its subject -- but simply because there weren't a whole lot of new insights, I thought. The big one is "coming out almost certainly isn't as bad as you fear."
skepticalri's review against another edition
4.0
tl:dr -- Even though Coming Out Atheist was not what I expected, I enjoyed it and thought it had lots of great ideas relevant to new atheists as well as those who are already out of the God closet.
When I picked up Coming Out Atheist (kudos to New Orleans Public Library for ordering it!), not having read any of Christina's earlier books, I imagined that it would be much more academic in nature, with comments from psychologists, sociologists, etc, with personal stories from ordinary atheists used to string the pieces together. Instead, the commentary forms the backbone of the book. Christina had solicited these stories from readers of her blog as well as through other atheist outlets, and she pulled some from previously published books. (The copyright nerd in me sincerely hopes she obtained permission from those authors -- her acknowledgment wasn't particularly clear.)
Most of the book is structured according to who you'll be coming out to and the particular environment you're in: e.g., parents, family, work, the military, conservative communities. This structure works well to address the particular concerns and issues each one might hold, although much of the content overlaps. These central points include that coming out is usually not as negative an experience as one might expect (and often may bring out other nonbelievers who thought they were the only ones), that you shouldn't come out to anyone unless you're prepared to come out to everyone (thanks to family and personal grapevines and such), and that very few people Christina spoke with regretted identifying publicly as a nonbeliever.
I have to give special mention to the final section on building community. Every atheist, nonbelieving, skeptical organization in the country as well as their leadership all need to read that text. (I resisted the urge to scan and send it to my own board of directors.) All of the controversy about intersectionality and Atheism Plus: She nails the reasons why they are vital.
When I picked up Coming Out Atheist (kudos to New Orleans Public Library for ordering it!), not having read any of Christina's earlier books, I imagined that it would be much more academic in nature, with comments from psychologists, sociologists, etc, with personal stories from ordinary atheists used to string the pieces together. Instead, the commentary forms the backbone of the book. Christina had solicited these stories from readers of her blog as well as through other atheist outlets, and she pulled some from previously published books. (The copyright nerd in me sincerely hopes she obtained permission from those authors -- her acknowledgment wasn't particularly clear.)
Most of the book is structured according to who you'll be coming out to and the particular environment you're in: e.g., parents, family, work, the military, conservative communities. This structure works well to address the particular concerns and issues each one might hold, although much of the content overlaps. These central points include that coming out is usually not as negative an experience as one might expect (and often may bring out other nonbelievers who thought they were the only ones), that you shouldn't come out to anyone unless you're prepared to come out to everyone (thanks to family and personal grapevines and such), and that very few people Christina spoke with regretted identifying publicly as a nonbeliever.
I have to give special mention to the final section on building community. Every atheist, nonbelieving, skeptical organization in the country as well as their leadership all need to read that text. (I resisted the urge to scan and send it to my own board of directors.) All of the controversy about intersectionality and Atheism Plus: She nails the reasons why they are vital.
tekvet's review against another edition
5.0
Even though this book is aimed at atheists/agnostics/humanists that are in the closet and are thinking about coming out, I still found it valuable from my out-and-vocal-for-years perspective. The closeted nonbeliever will find excellent advice on when, how, and if they should consider coming out. After outlining general advice that would apply to anyone, she drills down to special considerations for family, friends, students, women, POC, LBGT -- even non-believing clergy.
As a very 'out' atheist, I didn't expect to find a lot of information that applied to me, but I was wrong. Greta included chapters on helping others come out, community-building, and diversity considerations -- all topics that resonated with me. The final section of the book includes an extensive list of resources from websites to books to podcasts that will be of interest to out and closeted atheists alike.
The best part about this book? Greta writes just as she speaks. It was like spending a few hours with her sitting behind my shoulder telling me stories and sharing what she's learned.
As a very 'out' atheist, I didn't expect to find a lot of information that applied to me, but I was wrong. Greta included chapters on helping others come out, community-building, and diversity considerations -- all topics that resonated with me. The final section of the book includes an extensive list of resources from websites to books to podcasts that will be of interest to out and closeted atheists alike.
The best part about this book? Greta writes just as she speaks. It was like spending a few hours with her sitting behind my shoulder telling me stories and sharing what she's learned.
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