Shreya Chandwadkar
???Our society, including the non-religious sector, has accepted the preposterous idea that it is normal and right to indoctrinate tiny children in the religion of their parents, and to slap religious labels on them - ‘Catholic child', ‘Protestant child', ‘Jewish child', ‘Muslim child', etc. - although no other comparable labels: no conservative children, no liberal children, no Republican children, no Democrat children. Please, please raise your consciousness about this, and raise the roof whenever you hear it happening. A child is not a Christian child, not a Muslim child, but a child of Christian parents or a child of Muslim parents. This later nomenclature, by the way, would be an excellent pieces of consciousness-raising for the children themselves. A Child who it told she is a ‘child of Muslim parents' will immediately realize that religion is something for her to choose - or reject - when she becomes old enough to do so.???
This quote struck me to the soul.
Religious indoctrination is one of the worst things we could do to a child - inhibiting their inquisitive nature and asking them to abide by some specific “rules” written down years ago and in turn reject / ridicule every other such rules.
A very chilling hint of this is shown in Aldous Huxley's dystopia A Brave New World.
Although my mom and grandmother are both religious, they never forced their faith on me. As a family we often have debates from time to time, questioning everything and it helped in broadening my mindset.
I never understood the argument that atheists cannot appreciate life because they don't understand that God created them and everything for them because God loves them.
But rather its the EXACT opposite.
Atheists appreciate life even more because they know the sheer improbability of it.
The fact that you are alive now and not a billion years from now or a thousand years before.
The fact that among the millions of galaxys, you were a result of a genetic accident that resulted in your birth. Isn't the complexity of this very fact enough to be thankful JUST to be able to witness this complex spec we call earth - for even a second, let alone years.
Its too ambitious for this book to be included in school curriculum, isn't it?
Another one of the Warwick series knocked off my TBR. Fast paced, with twists at the right places. Classic Archer.
Won't be too surprised if I immediately start reading the next Warwick novel in line.
Those three stars are just for the last chapter.
For all the chapters leading up to it a solid 5.
It's unlike Jeffrey Archer to force you to “think” about the end to a story.
How Murakami of him.
But I respect the author's audacity to try something different.
Otherwise, the novel's like any other from the author, keeps us on the edge of our seats till the last sentence. Makes us read over hundred pages in one sitting.
All that was missing was a twist so good, your jaw drops, you close the book, smile to yourself of the man's genius, open the book again and continue reading. Maybe shed a tear or two.
Feel like I would appreciate this book more when I do eventually read it again, to pick up all the signs the author left about the abrupt ending.
But one thing's for sure, wouldn't recommend this as the first book to read by the author.
That privilege lies with Kane and Abel.
Another cliff hanger. Will have to start reading the next book soon.
Master at his craft as always.
Pleasantly surprised by how fluid the writing of Fabien Toulme is.
A memoir of sorts, Hakim's Odyssey is the journey of one Hakim from his country Syria to Turkey.
Would recommend, artwork is good and the story is gut wrenching.
Hoping to read the 2nd part soon.
As much as I want to force myself to like the book, I didn't. The plot had very good point in the story when it could have been a great twist, but the story just ended with such a disappointment.
Did not know this was originally written in 1900s.
A good engaging story with twists at the right points.
The narration did feel a bit monotonous at the start, but picked up as the story progressed.
Premise of the book was new, and interesting. The execution, not so much. No pun intended.
Would recommend to any young adult fiction fans.
Funny and witty at times, a well written and well thought out novel.
A sweet little graphic novel about the author's hearing loss at an early age.
Quite cute artwork.
Considerably smaller than his other works.
Did not have the quintessential “King horror” components, but an engaging story nonetheless.
If you're a King fan, you can let this one slide.
A little boring at times, but picks up in the second half.
Pretty art, story was dull at times.
This book is so good good good.
Am so happy happy happy I listened to it :p
Five stars not enough. Me need more stars.
Finally coming out of reviewing books slump.
Without spoiling anything, the story is about a mission to save planet earth from an imminent threat. But it teaches about a lot more than surviving in harsh environments or situations. Its about friendship, kindness and basic human decency.
If you do decide to read this book, I'd urge you to listen to the audio book instead. Its brilliantly performed and immerses you in the story from the get go.
Did not expect the book to be this emotional. It made me cry!
The last two chapters are so well written, I've been listening to them on repeat for a while :)
Cannot wait for this to be turned into a movie.
I just wish I could listen to this book for the first time again.
The best narration in an audio book, I have ever listened to.
Narration, according to me, makes or breaks a book.
Voice modulation, and making the characters feel different are key.
And that is exactly what Joel has done with the narration of Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie.
The book directly jumps into the only thing confusing about the title of the book, dangerous pie.
We get an insight into a 13 year old boy: Steven and his younger brother Jeffrey's life.
This book will make you laugh, cry, and I mean ugly cry, laugh while you have tears in your eyes and cry a little more.
A heartwarming story of family, love, loss, and drums ofcourse.
Although this book is meant for adolescents, I would recommend it to people of all ages.
If you get a chance, do listen to the audio book. It truly is a masterpiece.
Good artwork with an average story.
Was expecting a little more, story-wise as the book is meant for older audience.
Hilarious and well thought out book.
Fredrick Bachman has a way with words which just keeps you in its grip.
Onto his next works.
Sirius's death is always difficult to deal with, through text, movies or audio.
Re-read this one after so long, had nearly forgotten how the occlumency lessons ended. Not with Harry performing the legilimens spell on Snape (As shown in the movie), but in fact seeing them in the pensive.
Dumbledore assuring Harry that Snape was trying to help, that he verified whether Sirius was at Grimmauld Place, killed me. Also, him silently correcting Harry to say Professor Snape instead of just Snape, is just heart breaking.
For a while, I was contemplating whether Sirius's death was Harry's fault. Until Dumbledore's explanation, it seemed like a viable option. But if you think about it, 6 teenagers fly to London, into the ministry of magic, get attacked by a dozen of death eaters, what was he thinking?
Sure, it was Sirius he was trying to save. Also, why avoid occlumency lessons when Sirius, Lupin, Hermione had so urgently told him to continue them.
Just so angry at Harry in this book for some reason!
Loved the fact we got to see some of Snape's memories, a crucial one at that.
As we later find out, that him calling Lilly a you - know - what, created a rift between them, causing her to get closer to James as he comforted her.
We don't deserve snape do we?
Was on my TBR since a year! (If I remember it correctly)
Is totally worth the wait. The author as a mortician, answers questions asked by little kids about death. Except for a few questions, they could have been asked by an adult too, out of genuine curiosity.
Pleasantly surprised at how funny the book was!
Thanks to a rainy day, and long queues for your ride to your workplace, Finished this one!
A great narration, Irish accents is soothing to listen to :D
Fast paced story about two sisters, both working on a murder case which could change both their lives.
At times a little emotional, making you feel for the characters.
A little short for my linking! Would have loved to go on listenning to this one for ages. Wouldn't mind lisetting to other books narrated by the same narrator, she was absolutely brilliant, felt like I was living the sory myself.
On to the next one, eh laddie? :p
The victim was revealed towards the end of the book for a change. Loved the way her writing just lucidly flows into chapters. Could have read the the book for hours and hours. New favorite author!
PS. Listened to the audiobook for this and it had an Irish character. Bonus points for the Irish accent!
Would recommend to every murder mystery fan.
Wow! I was blown away.
Even though the duration of the audio book was quite less, it managed to tell a story and conjure up so many emotions!
An audio book which truly gives you an immersive experience. The narration is absolutely brilliant, helped by the brilliant sound design.
Would have loved to listen to a longer version of such a story ??????
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and P.Craig's fitting artwork. A great Halloween Read.
The original review was deleted by Goodreads for some reason!
Anyhoo, it's a great listen, especially the last story gave me the chills!
Part of the monthly free Audible originals.
A nice narration of the well known story.
Had no other good choice for January selection of Audible Originals.
Never liked Rom com genre, nothing will change that too.
Thanks for the reminder.