Summary
Title: The Happy Heretic
Author: Judith Hayes
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 157392802X
Book Review
All these questions and more are addressed in Judith Hayes’ lively and proactive book, The Happy Heretic. Hayes’ writes a monthly column appearing on the internet which tackles a great deal of social, religious and political topics from the perspective of an atheist and a humanist. But more than that, her perspective is laced with a sharp wit and a keen eye for the ironic and humorous elements in all of these stories.
This is important, since most writings on atheism and humanism tend to be written from a more philosophical, or at least just generally serious, outlook. Naturally the serious take on issues is important — but just as important as critical thinking is our ability to laugh, even at ourselves. Judith Hayes doesn’t let us forget our laughter and finds quite a lot in life and in human actions which merits an ironic commentary.
We were fortunate enough to have Judith Hayes visit our forum and answer questions about her book and her work posed by various forum members. Those questions and answers have been collected into an extended format much like an interview, and you are welcome to read it.
