Engaging and thought-provoking illustrations of how the stigmatization of atheism can result in both self-censorship and ways to overcome it....She is also empathetic, nuanced, and willing to recognize good wherever she finds it, whether in the memory-enriching moments of holidays or the insights of prayer.”
—Library Journal, starred review
“Being truthful about what you believe (and what you don’t), Cohen suggests, can be key to connecting with others and living a meaningful life.”
Religion News, one of the top religion and spirituality book of the year
“We of Little Faith is an exquisite work that cements itself into your thoughts. It gives you access to your own experiences in which you might have been confronted with a situation colored by religion, and I would recommend it to anybody who values logic and honesty. It’s an inspiring book that will—hopefully—push us toward a larger cultural conversation in which ‘atheism’ isn’t seen as a dirty word.”
—The Humanist
“Outstanding: it speaks beautifully to the largest ‘religious’ group in America today: the ‘nones,’ who claim no religious affiliation, but are hesitant to speak about it. Cohen writes with the perfect mix of intelligence, compassion, and humor to let them know they’re not alone.”
—Ali Rizvi, author of The Atheist Muslim
“A breathtakingly well-referenced, nimble, and thought-provoking book.”
—Alexandra Petri, author of Alexandra Petri’s US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up)
“A deeply personal, often funny, and always astute look at what we stand to gain when we question not just the existence of God, but all of the ways in which our societies, cultures, traditions, and tropes assume there's a big man in the sky. A trenchant and thoughtful read, this is the perfect book for people who are atheism-curious, and for those who are religious but open-minded.”
—Jill Filipovic, CNN columnist, author of The H-Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness
“This is a wonderful book. While many popular books about atheism are written with a goal of deconverting readers, Kate Cohen takes a welcome detour in We of Little Faith. By sharing her own religious journey, Kate shows us that atheism doesn't come from a place of rebellion, but rather a desire to embrace radical honesty. We of Little Faith is a delightful journey through both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of atheism.”
—Hemant Mehta, the Friendly Atheist podcast
“We of Little Faith is a must-read for every American, whether atheist or Zoroastrian or somewhere in between. Cohen’s witty, compassionate take on America’s religious culture is atheism as it should be, as it truly is: fulfilled, happy, and true to one’s self. This is the quotidian atheism your friends and family may be too timid to discuss, but which Cohen illuminates with absorbing eloquence. If you think about religion, you owe it to yourself to read this book.”
—Andrew L. Seidel, author of American Crusade
“An engaging, enjoyable — and very timely book. As more and more Americans shed their religion, it is essential that the voices and values of atheists are well articulated and better understood. Cohen’s work is a warm, wonderful addition on this front.”
—Phil Zuckerman, author of Society without God: Living the Secular Life
★ 10/06/2023
In her latest book, Washington Post columnist Cohen (A Walk Down the Aisle) tells how she created the space to be honest and authentic with herself and the social world around her. As an atheist growing up in and around religious communities, the author describes the everyday episodes in which religious beliefs are assumed and tough decisions are made about whether to blend in or risk being known as an atheist. The book layers the realities of being a part of Jewish communities and bumping into overt Christian expressions with Cohen's finding ways to parent her children as an atheist. The result yields engaging and thought-provoking illustrations of how the stigmatization of atheism can result in both self-censorship and ways to overcome it. Cohen argues for more forthrightness about atheism and humorously points out what she sees as the nonsensical pieces of a religious position. She is also empathetic, nuanced, and willing to recognize good wherever she finds it, whether in the memory-enriching moments of holidays or the insights of prayer. VERDICT A personal history of opportunities won and lost. Cohen makes an entertaining, searching argument that atheists should actively engage societal assumptions.—Zachariah Motts
