The Atheist’s Guide To Christmas is out Oct 1! Pre-order Here.
I got my copy today, thanks to the wonderful Ariane Sherine.
My first observation, as I eagerly began to read the book, was that I should not open this beautifully presented volume at night, for my laughter would surely awaken the neighbours! Ah, such are the perils of modern apartments and paper thin walls.
As I delved deeper in, I found a gem of a tale from Simon Le Bon in which he recounted Christmas memories, and his path away from faith. Now, I’m not one to be interested in the private lives and thoughts of entertainers. My contract with them is simple: Entertain me, and I will purchase music / books / films. Outside of that simple agreement, I care very little what their views are, or who they are diddling (or being diddled by, or if there is, indeed, no diddling at all!). I was, all things considered, quite surprised to find parallels in my path and his, as well as some remarkable word and phrase choices that closely echo my own.
I tried to put the book down, to savour it and extend the experience, but alas, my will was weaker than I had thought it to be. I eagerly leafed through further tales until I arrived at a short piece by Richard Dawkins. Having read his work before, I was truly expecting a succinctly scientific piece of text, but again, I was taken aback by a supremely witty fictional discussion which left me almost in tears with laughter! A whimsical side to a man who had, until now, struck me as a very serious, if rather snarky fellow!
Also in the book are ways to celebrate Christmas, games to play, scientific explanations of the universe, more humour, and a very warm sense of belonging, as well as the meaning of life… Well, in actual fact, that isn’t quite so simply spelt out, but within the pages are a reason to join an atheist celebration to the many that surround a season which holds such great significance for many cultures, even though it’s most commonly known by its Christian name.
For those who are seeking emancipation, the free thought contained in this book is, in my humble opinion, priceless.