Comments on: Review: Publishers Weekly

By: Mike C

Mike C — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:58:01 +0000

I’m surprised that they chose to use the word “proselytize”. That’s a rather negative term these days. E.g. if someone were to say I was “proselytizing”, I would think they were criticizing my actions, not merely describing them. It’s like the word “Fundamentalist”. You can’t say words like that anymore without inferring all kinds of negative connotations. I don’t think Publishers Weekly meant it that way, but I wish they’d be more careful with their terms.

By: Jim Henderson

Jim Henderson — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:32:20 +0000

Hemant

I thought it was a but dispassionate as well. Not sure if the person reviewing was not getting it or not interested.

Either way all pubiicity is good publicity.

Keep playing your words- “you may not convert us but you can converse with us” – Or even better “If you cant convert me will you converse with me?”

I think the strongest selling point for your book is that it is a guidebook for people and leaders wanting to understand the growing interest in atheism especially among young people.

You have to remember that for Boomers – when you say Atheist they see Madelyn- that is your challenge

Keep framing the conversation – when you say “friendly and atheist”in the same sentence over and over you force a reframe

By: Helen

Helen — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:50:50 +0000

Hemant, it seems like they didn’t quite know what to make of your book.

Those of us who’ve read the reviews you wrote for Off The Map know how insightful, thoughtful and articulate your comments about churches are and are expecting your book to be well worth reading. (I enjoyed the preview chapter very much, by the way!)

PW should have asked one of us to review it

By: King Aardvark

King Aardvark — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:18:34 +0000

At least they didn’t say, “Mehta, his book sucks,” or anything along those lines. So I think you’re good. Based on the description they provide, I doubt many Christians would be interested because it’s just so rational and fair sounding. Or they’ll say, “He went to all those churches and wasn’t converted? He must have a closed heart and is just trying to blasphemy God!”