The Atheist Book Club discussion

We'll be reading Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali from December 1st through the end of January.

This thread can be used to give book reviews as well as for a general discussion of the book. Please feel free to start a new discussion in the book club folder if you'd like to focus on specific aspects of or ideas from the book.

I went into reading this book not knowing anything about Ayaan beforehand,except that Christopher Hitchens thinks she's one of the bravest women of our time. And so far, I'm inclined to agree with him. I've reached the point that she's about 14 years old, and I'm surprised anyone survives the life she's had so far. I am also surprised at how upbeat the narrative is, despite some of the horrific things that happen, Ayaan seems to remain positive, giving glowing descriptions of the happier times of her childhood.

Also, not knowing anything about her beforehand, I'm ashamed to admit that I assumed that the issues with her parents and family would not be coming from the direction that they were. Its a real eye opener to how this way of life destroys women and makes them complacent in the horrific things that are done to them, even making them believe that these things are right and pure.

Sorry if some of this is rather vague, I'm trying not to include spoilers for anyone who hasn't started yet, and is coming in from as ignorant a place as I started from in relation to Ayaan.

Agreed, Hazel. Prior to reading this book I wondered how on earth the *women* of the Middle East could be raising sons who grew to be such horrible misogynists. How can the mothers not have the ultimate power in forming their little boys' views of women?

But when you see how poorly educated and oppressed many are - especially compared to the men - and the negative impact of religious traditions on their daily lives, it all makes perfect sense.

It's a wonderful book and she's an excellent speaker as well. Nuke some popcorn for this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3MHh7...

I can't remember the last time a book made me cry, for both sadness and happiness, in the way this book is managing.

This is an excellent book about an amazing woman. Very powerful. Here is my review.

This is not the sort of book I normally read but am glad that I did (I am not usually one for biographies). Her story was very engaging. The personal experience to the arguments against Islam/Fundamentalist Islam have a real strength to them.

I think it worked well that she kept from commenting through her story as she told it and kept her all her opinions to the end. It certainly made me rage for her and her family and friends more because she didn't dwell on some of the incidents as she talked us through her early years. I found I had to stop reading to talk about what was happening at various points. Her and other FGM and not having to attend her own marriage to name two which spring to mind.

Here is an example of her column in The Daily Beast and as the main story in Newsweek. I think she has a point:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek...

Jimmy wrote: "Here is an example of her column in The Daily Beast and as the main story in Newsweek. I think she has a point:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek......"

This is the "war on Christianity" that Fox News (and all media) should be talking about.

Thanks for all your comments here. Adding it to my list. Can't wait!