I am interested in all three. Personally, God is Not Great appeals most directly but I think one of the other two selections would be best for the community. From what I read, Ehrman seems about putting the Bible into a religious friendly context rather than simply fact based denouncing the scriptures as mostly based myth fantasy whereas Callahan looks to tear into things without interpretation (would appreciate further insight and clarification if anyone has read either). I am rather surprised to see the non-Hitchens votes going so heavily slanted towards Ehrman.3 votes for Secret Origins of the Bible. As much as I want to read Hitchens, I just read Dawkins and am in no rush to get to Hitchens. Not that I lack interest, but would enjoy something a bit different currently and would prefer to consider Hitchens for Q4.

2 for God is not Great because I think a Chomsky/Hitchens tandem discussion would be a welcome shot in the arm for Booktalk PR...and I think Hitchens is truly an exceptional character in the literary (and political) world that needs to be read and challenged.1 for Secret Origins of the Bible because a careful introduction to the complexities of Biblical criticism might disabuse future debate on all-things-Bible from slipping into the tired dichotomous rant: "It's all fictive bullshit" vs "It's all pristine fact".Actually, after counting the score....make that 3 for God is not Great. Edited by: Dissident Heart at: 6/26/07 12:42 pm

Last call on votes!

Hitchens is getting a lot of media attention lately and his book is well on its way to selling a cool half million copies. I am reconsidering my reasoning for my three votes as A) a top of the line best seller could benefit BookTalk.org with increased readership during this quarter so soon after the book's release and B) Secret Origins hasn't picked up hardly any interest. It may be a moot point any ways since Misquoting has such a commanding lead. Too bad the vote call is ending tomorrow. They were all good books. Pending Hitchens doesn't make this quarter, I think it should be a definite first consideration for Q4.

This poll will stay up one extra day. Not enough members have cast votes. I'm really hoping for more participation. The poll will close Wednesday evening.

Final Score:God is Not Great - 11Secret Origins of the Bible - 5Misquoting Jesus - 14