Publisher's Summary
Julia Sweeney says she was a "happy Catholic girl" when, one day, she walked into church and signed up for a Bible-study cou...
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reviews
Sep 29, 2011
Judith
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I never heard of this author until I got the audio version of this book. Apparently she was an SNL character, acted in a couple of the Beethoven movies and is a somewhat famous comedian. i found her to be a kindred spirit in her search for and final release from the myth of God. She went through so many of the same steps that I did, with the same thoughts that I had. It made me begin to wonder if there isn't a whole generation of converted atheists out there.
The book is serious a More...
The book is serious a More...
May 01, 2009
Suzanne
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I listened to this as an audio book (essentially a taped stage production of her one-woman show) and it was brilliant.
I kept saying "Yes! Exactly" I had a lot in common with her background (Catholic, also tried to become an altar boy), searching for other religions that maybe would work better, and then finally accepting that there is no god. And that's okay. Better, in fact, than the alternative.
Even if you're religious, you'll appreciate and relate to J More...
I kept saying "Yes! Exactly" I had a lot in common with her background (Catholic, also tried to become an altar boy), searching for other religions that maybe would work better, and then finally accepting that there is no god. And that's okay. Better, in fact, than the alternative.
Even if you're religious, you'll appreciate and relate to J More...
Jan 05, 2010
Sarah
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Just re-listening to this one and I loved it again. I would recommend the audio version and perhaps the video is even better. Hearing her performance style is important for capturing the humor.
This is Julia Sweeney's memoir about how she became an atheist. She grew up Catholic, but in adulthood questions her faith and discusses the spiritual journey that led her to atheism. Her telling of the story is comedic and the information and questions she presents are fascinating. I pers More...
This is Julia Sweeney's memoir about how she became an atheist. She grew up Catholic, but in adulthood questions her faith and discusses the spiritual journey that led her to atheism. Her telling of the story is comedic and the information and questions she presents are fascinating. I pers More...
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Nov 27, 2007
Eric
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i had heard sweeney's other performance, god said ha!, about her experience with cancer (her brother's and her own), and was completely blown away by that piece. when i had heard that sweeney had another piece about her struggles with faith and her ultimate decision to give up on the idea of a personal god, i knew she would approach the subject with the grace, honesty, humor, and intelligence that she brought to the previous performance.
i was always aware of julia sweeney as an actr More...
i was always aware of julia sweeney as an actr More...
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Sep 28, 2011
M
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This is a pretty heartfelt story and gives the perspective of a woman brought up with catholicism, noting the inconsistencies of living Catholic and the irrationality of spirituality and religious belief. One thing that Sweeney notably identifies is the positive cultural impact of religion on a religious person's lifestyle, which she learned from being 'disowned' from her family. This story has many sad moments and funny moments, and is perhaps a less-intellectual and more everyday account about
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Jan 30, 2009
Elaine
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This audio book is terrific but not everyone will be comfortable with it. Julia Sweeney was raised Catholic and she tells her true story of how she went from Catholic to atheist. Its insightful, funny, emotional and really entertaining. If you don't consider yourself religious, or have some doubts about religion, or just struggle with some of the bizarre parts of religious you will likely really enjoy this. Hearing Julia's delivery is terrific so definitely go audio on this one.
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Mar 01, 2011
Kate
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There was some good stuff in here about appreciating the wonder that is creation IN ABSENCE of a miraculous / divine creator.
The actual process of "letting go of God" has never been an issue for me but one that I feel I have heard almost too much about over the course of my Unitarian upbringing.
I (surprisingly) almost cried at the dramatic weight loss of her cat (wtf), and then at her attempt to remember her last hug with her father.
The actual process of "letting go of God" has never been an issue for me but one that I feel I have heard almost too much about over the course of my Unitarian upbringing.
I (surprisingly) almost cried at the dramatic weight loss of her cat (wtf), and then at her attempt to remember her last hug with her father.
May 30, 2009
Matthew
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When I was a freshman in college and a professor said he was an atheist, I was shocked. He might just as well have proclaimed himself a pederast. I'd somehow come to believe atheist were evil, amoral freaks. This book puts a human and funny face on non-belief. Julia Sweeney makes non-belief sound so normal and reasonable. If you ever thought it was strange, scary, or hopeless to not believe in God, try this book for a different perspective.
Nov 25, 2008
Mirm
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I listened to this one and really enjoyed Julia Sweeney. She makes it very clear that there were big steps between Catholicism and where she ended up. All of them funny AND sad. I can see how this book could help a lot of people realize what they have believed all along. I have also started listening to Darwin's On the Origin of Species because of her description of reading it herself for the first time.
Nov 19, 2010
Grego
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Oh my goodness. This book had me laughing from the very first page? minute, I guess, since I listened to it as an audiobook, and kept me laughing the entire way through. Soo good. I definitely recommend it to anyone that has struggled with their belief in God. Also, definitely listen to it as an audiobook. The expression that Sweeney puts into the performance of it is half the hilarity.
Oct 26, 2009
Lesley
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Julia Sweeney gave me the best two hours of audiobook listening that I have ever experienced... this is her story of growing up Catholic and then needing to discover her own belief in god and universe. If any of my family wants to hear this hilarious true story of one woman's journey from Catholic to Atheist... let me know I would love to share this!
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Dec 15, 2010
Stacey
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Loved it! Loved following along on Julia's journey. Personally, I didn't have as much to let go of so I didn't relate on that level. However, I loved her logical approach and honest insights. And it's funny too! Any recovering Catholic should read this - or anyone else who appreciates a scientific, secular, and humorous approach to the world.
Oct 20, 2010
Gina
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This isn't a book but sure is a great dvd or audio tape! Julia Sweeney has an incredible gift of being able to insert humor at exactly the right moment. The topic is controversial and quite serious but I laughed throughout. She also did her 'homework' and research before creating "Letting Go of God".
Aug 11, 2011
Daniel
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At times it was a bit comedic, and then there where times where she tried too hard. The information she put out there was quite revealing, on her personal experiences and the information inside of these "Holy" books. I'm looking into these other books just to see for myself.
Aug 01, 2009
Eliz
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Yup, the Julia Sweeney. She put out a performance a few years ago called “God Said Ha!” (which I highly recommend). This is another solo project, an audio book actually (with a little transcript included in the package), which I also must highly recommend.
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Sep 11, 2011
Barbara
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Loved this book. Julia Sweeney is one of the funniest people on earth, and going with her down the path to non-spirituality is a hoot. I would say it wouldn't be agreeable to staunch Catholics, but I think most people would find something in this to enjoy.
Dec 02, 2011
Sharon
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Not exactly a book, but an amazing performance and story. Her thinking about faith and her insistence that truth and meaning are inextricably intertwined made her journey powerful, informative, and really emotional. Really excellent. Also, she loved nuns!
Apr 20, 2010
Jeannie
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so honest, so good. though I have reached different conclusions than Sweeney, we have shared a large part of the journey and I appreciate her honesty. it was also just plain hilarious. (though I will always love Deepak!!! ha ha!)
Aug 16, 2011
Lynn
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I've watched this many times but someone told me recently it would be worthwhile to also listen to it so that's what I would like to do...in my spare time or as my former boss would say, "When you're resting"!
Dec 14, 2011
Lamski Kikita
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Funny and interesting. My husband and I listened to this on a road trip and it was very entertaining. I guess sometimes you set out there to start a journey to find God, and you just, well, don't.
Jan 16, 2012
Jana
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Notes from 2007:
Memoirs from Julia's Catholic upbringing and coming to terms with her atheism. Very heartfelt, funny and honest. Listened to her read on audiobook.
Memoirs from Julia's Catholic upbringing and coming to terms with her atheism. Very heartfelt, funny and honest. Listened to her read on audiobook.
Jun 17, 2010
Ameson-money
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I heart Julia Sweeney, and I sent a copy of this to my mom. She's funny, insightful and really underrated. I recommend listening to her performances on 'uncaberet' as well.
Jul 31, 2009
Rebecca
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Very funny. Actually listening to the audio performance. It's her search of God through different religions and theories and her reactions and thoughts. Enjoying it a lot.
Jul 02, 2011
Tom
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A wonderful, witty and lively telling of this actress' probing of the anthropomorphic god idea to finally embrace atheism.
Mar 21, 2010
Mcav0y
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Unlike most of the books that I listen to, this was a taped stage production of her one-woman show. Julia explained her personal journey into questioning religion and eventual determining of her own religious sense. Her humor and wit shone through, but if you are listening for a comedic story, I would look elsewhere. Overall, it was an excellent personal story- one that I think most people can related to on one level or another, even if their conclusions are different than hers. I kept think
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Jan 15, 2012
Maisha
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I loved this because I can relate to her struggle so much. It's so honest, funny, and informative.
Jun 26, 2009
Kristin
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So super funny... but very honest about her struggles with religion. Really quite brilliant.
Feb 14, 2010
Summer
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Just fucking brilliant. And this is the perfect form. Sweeney is a born bard.
Aug 28, 2009
Lynnea
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This is amazing. I can't give a higher praise. She is real and I was moved.
