Poll

PLEASE NOTE:

Periodic Tales: A Cultural History of the Elements, from Arsenic to Zinc by Hugh Aldersey-Williams is also known under its original title as Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives of the Elements

For Anastasia - The Riddle Of Anna Anderson, Updated with an new Afterword by Peter Kurth, the afterword is optional. You may choose another edition of this book.

There's some really interesting books on here, several of which I'd love to read and discuss on the group. I'm in a bit of a non-fiction reading spell at the moment too, so looking forward to seeing which one wins!

Oh man, I would love to read Periodic tales and Johnstown flood. I have not heard of The God Delusion.

I read Periodic Tales a few years ago. It's pretty good.

Not interested in The God Delusion though it looks like that might be the one picked. If I'm going to read a book attacking religion it won't be by Richard Dawkins. He might be a fine scientist but I don't admire his qualities as a human being.

The God Delusion is a book where Richard Dawkins attempts to argue in a scientific way why God doesn't exist, and religion is bad for humanity. It is the one book on this list I've read, but would be happy to re-read and discuss. I don't like Dawkins personally, he comes across as far too arrogant and like he knows it all . I thought the book was interesting, though largely because I disagreed with it. It would make for a lively discussion.

Okay, I'll probably pass on The God Delusion. I have a hard time reading a book when the author comes off as arrogant. My top two choices will be the Periodic Tales and Johnstown Flood.

Bionic Jean wrote: "PLEASE NOTE:

Periodic Tales: A Cultural History of the Elements, from Arsenic to Zinc by Hugh Aldersey-Williams is also known under its original title as Peri..."</i>


So it sounds like [book:The God Delusion would be right up my alley. No one seems to like the author. Sounds like, while I may end up not liking him, I may find his book enlightening, hey Jean?

I really didn't intend to put anyone off The God Delusion. I personally think the author is a bit arrogant, but that is from interviews I've seen and things I've read about him, more than the actual content of the book. It is also a fairly common trait among certain groups of famous intellectuals/academics too! I think it would make a fascinating discussion I'd definitely take part in. If it were chosen, I would definitely have to read it again so I could participate fully, as it has been a while since I read it.

That all said, I'm really interested in the top 3 books so far in the voting :)

MODERATOR'S COMMENT

Please note that the mods always discuss a book which may be considered controversial, and we did so in this case.

The God Delusion is a deliberately provocative title, as are many of the titles for modern nonfiction books. But Richard Dawkins is a biologist, and this is the line he takes. A lot of the book is looking at the history and psychology of various religions. This may not be your choice of reading, but it would be up to you whether or not to read it.

We mods do not recommend the group reads, we merely take your suggestions. Since this book is currently at second place, this indicates that enough readers wish to read it, to indicate that it was the correct decision to include it in the poll.

Because you read a book, does not mean that you agree with what it postulates. Nor, I would suggest, do you have to like the personality of the author!

Bionic Jean wrote: "Because you read a book, does not mean that you agree with what it postulates. Nor, I would suggest, do you have to like the personality of the author!"

Totally agree with this! For example, I love and will always love Harry Potter, but I am completely disillusioned by the author! In the case of Richard Dawkins, I may or may not read it, but that doesn't mean it was a bad choice. Clearly enough people want to read it and discuss it, which to me makes it a good choice. I've read books as part of a book club that I wasn't a huge fan of, but they made for lively discussions!