Favorite Atheist books?

[abaris]

I kind of expected you to be a phony.

That said, I have no favorite atheist book or author. I've never read a single book on the topic of atheism. Why should I? My atheism is based on the world, it's history and biology and I don't need an outside view to confirm it. As I often keep saying, I am not atheist and the topic doesn't interest me at all. Atheism is just my disbelief, not what makes me as a person.

I know, of course, who Hitchens was. But I haven't read any book by him and would be hard pressed to recall anything he said. I don't like Harris, for reasons that haven't got anything to do with atheism. And I rather like Dawkins, again, not for his atheism, but for his style. I've watched several debates and presentations he gave and he impresses me as an intelligent man with a sense of humor.

What I did read were several books on religion. One of my favorite authors was Karlheinz Deschner, who spent his writing career riding attacks against the Catholic church. He got his facts right, but I always was aware that he was polemic and that he bennt the facts to suit his agenda. Which is easily done if you leave certain redeeming factors out. I liked to read his books because of the humorous style he presented even the most abhorrent tales.

One truth I always adhere to, is to be critical when reading something. Regardless if it's fiction, non fiction or philosophy. Always be aware of the author and a possible agenda and make your own mind up. Which, in my opinion, is the most important thing. Always think for yourself and don't let anyone else take over the thinking part.