This book will make you think.
341173
There are so many metaphors and layers to this story.  Im not sure what genre it best fits.
4110152
A strikingly thought-provoking book, Yuval Harari's "Homo Deus" is not something that you will be able to read without having your opinions challenged. Whether or not you believe in the future that Harari envisions, the author makes some convincing arguments for the current and future development of the "superhuman". But beware, Harari is a bit of a chameleon, and often I found myself not knowing what the author really believes himself. This is appropriate in a book designed to have you trying to reach your own conclusions. Some of the book rephrases and extends parts "Sapiens", an earlier volume by the same author (and well worth the read, if you have not already).
In a short review it would be difficult and perhaps misleading to try and summarize such a far-reaching book, but here are some topics discussed:
 Differences between humans and other animals
 Human domination of the planet, how and why, and for how long?
 Are humans "superior" to other animals?
 Humanism as the most important religion, and how biotech and A.I. might threaten it
 What comes after humanism?

This book should be required reading in American high-schools, but, sadly, for obvious reasons this is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

One final note: The opening section of the book may strike some readers as too outrageous, what with its science fiction-like descriptions of a future world. Don't put the book down at that point, but read on, as the author makes convincing cases for all sides in the ensuing discussions.
3651305
A great, sometimes funny, thought-provoking book. Read it with an open mind and reserve judgment until the end. You might surprisingly agree with her analysis.
386741
The more open your mind is, the more you'll enjoy this book. It preaches a different way of working and living and cites great examples of people who have walked the talk. (Personally, I don't have the courage to pack up and head for Iowa, but I admire people who do.)

 Even if you do remain in New York or Silicon Valley, Rich's book will make you think about what really matters. (How many books can you say that about?) So read it and leap...to a better life. As we used to say at Apple, "There must be a better way." Here's a book that can help you figure out the way.

 Full diclosure: like Andy Kessler, I too am a friend of Rich Karlgaard. But so what?
3025006
this book may just make you think of the way you are living. could change your whole life and your friends too
4445525
I'm enjoying this book.  Thought provoking.  Given today's tensions, it might appeal to you.
232375
This book really makes you think about the choices we make in life, and the far-reaching consequences they have - beyond any expectation.
3262576
This book will provoke you to ponder some very deep thoughts concerning God and the creation of art. It challenges the artist soul to make visible the Invisible God not just on your canvas but in your heart and mind. It'll challenge the motivation behind your art - the who and the why "I make art."
3450369
This is a thought provoking book and I liked the fact that I could sit down and read a chapter and have many deep things to think about afterwards.
1625402
Other readers of this book have left some thoughtful reviews above. This is a great book, a thought-provoking book.  To me, a good book is entertaining; easy to get lost in. However, a great book usually present new ideas or perceptions that may be difficult to read and understand.  Books delving into religion are almost by definition, controversial and often subject to misunderstanding. Not infrequently a great book has new or potentially controversial ideas that require me to stop and think, research, rethink more, and eventually I may change at least a portion of one of my basic beliefs or find myself reconfirming one of my basic understandings. In the end, a great book gives me at least one new, life-changing idea or perception.  I may remember the book, but it is the new idea or perception that lives on forever.

Such was my experience with Paul Snider's The Coming Age of Personal Religion.

The book contained many statements and concepts that were thoughtful.  One comes to mind first - Paul Snider wrote The ancestral mind was very much preoccupied with convincing God he should do your will and avoid doing you harm. If you carried out the rituals and ceremonies just right, with exact precision, it might be possible to manipulate God to do your will.  Most religions, and most of us individually, have grown past this understanding of our relationship to God.  Pauls writing reminds me that we humans each have a unique level of development and awareness, that we grow both individually, and even collectively through organized religion, at different speeds according to our abilities and our understandings.  We find that we are in this together, each responsible for each other.

Paul Snider also noted that God could have created us as perfect beings with a single thought. But he had a better idea  A basic thought is that each of us, no matter how great our errors, is a son or daughter of God.  We have a duty and obligation to God and to ourselves, to help each other along the way.  The Coming Age of Personal Religion contains many concepts that you might enjoy contemplating in the light of your ever-changing personal understanding of our journey through this earthly existence. Reading Pauls book just might change you (and cause you to change someone else in some way, large or small).  Paul Sniders book changed my thinking in several areas  I am glad I read it.  Pauls book and ideas will affect my behavior(s) going forward in some small manner, and hopefully that will affect others also.  Like the butterfly effect, a small push is required to start a chain of events, and Pauls book can help us make some significant changes to the world.
668441
This happens to be a wonderful book that makes think. Read it, because it's some good word stuff and a classic
303903
This book was scary and makes you think about what we are doing to our world.  I highly recommend reading it, but be prepared to do some deep thinking, and although written as fiction, is it?  you won't forget it, I promise!  The mystery, fantasy, and mixture of humans and animals connecting to them is well written and keeps you on your toes.  Don't try to guess what happens next,  it won't work.  You'll be fascinated and spell bound.
1410282
Lots to ponder in this book. Deep reading, thinking and reflecting. It may change the way you look at the world!
4161674
This is a book that compels you to think.  It requires that you examine your own experiences honestly and recognizes that you, as an individual, are empowered to take charge of your life.  If you need to be spoon-fed or are looking for magic answers, it's not for you.  But, if you are truly interested in engaging your mind, read "Winning Smart After Losing Big."  Then, read it again.  And again.
274842
I really enjoyed this book. It is by no means full of detailed explanations of how to survive but gives you a good glimpse of what someone might experience. The thoughts that run through your mind, the questions that often cannot be answered, and simply a loss of connections. It will make you think and wonder what you would do in a similar situation. How observant are you? Do you care about only yourself or are you willing to help others? This book may start you on a path of exploration to determine what kind of person you really are.
1517653
This book will make you stop and think about where you are putting your priorities--here for a very short time or for eternity.
1471031
Not a book you can expect to finish quickly! Really makes you think and think and think.  Some fascinating questions to consider sprinkled liberally throughout the book to show the points he's making. I'm more aware of my biases and the ease of jumping to faulty conclusions now, and my thinking processes will reflect this in my "watercooler discussions".

How I wish that this were required reading for all Members of Congress and in fact anyone entering the political scene - to keep them thinking through their decisions more carefully.