Freethought-Now
Hello reader — and happy summer reading! We hope you’re enjoying our Summer Reading Challenge (you can learn more about it here), and we wanted to share some suggestions to kick-start your seasonal literary adventure.
It should come as no surprise that the people at FFRF enjoy a good book. And it shouldn’t come as a revelation that we want to amplify the voices of atheists, agnostics and everyone else under the nonreligious umbrella. So here are some suggestions for books that fit our bingo categories and relate to nonreligious values.
Nonreligious main character:
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This international bestselling novel blends humor, feminism, and atheism to highlight the resiliency of women. The book also has a television adaptation on Apple TV. The story follows a chemist, Elizabeth Zott, and her rise to fame as a cooking show host, as well as her life before. This book is available at our store!
Love Me Merrily by Alyssa Jarrett (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
If you’re looking for an indie novel that’s light, fun, romantic and spicy. “Love Me Merrily” is a novella about an atheist finding love during the Christmas season while managing a big Christmas event at the hotel she works at. It’s about discovering your own nonreligious existence around the holidays and locating love amid grief. It even has a shoutout to FFRF in the dedication! The author also talked with us about “Religion & the ‘Marvelization’ of Media” on one of our shows.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
This book is a satire on books like Narnia, with a cynical, atheist view on the concept of magical children going to special magical kingdoms. The author is an atheist, as are most of the main characters. The atheist perspective is very present in the book and its themes. The book is part of a trilogy, but it is a good read on its own. A warning for readers: The main character of this book is awful on purpose. I found it fascinating and fun, but I understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. (Also, if you are familiar with the show, the book is a very different experience, and in my opinion, actually much better.)
This is Happiness by Niall Williams (Suggested by Director of Operations Lisa Strand)
17-year-old Noel drops out of the seminary and returns to his small Irish hometown where he learns to take joy in life’s small but meaningful moments — rather than rigid religious beliefs. You will be happy to have read this book.
Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 1 by Hiromu Arakawa (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
This one also counts as a graphic novel! “Fullmetal Alchemist” is a manga about two brothers who practice a magic/science called “alchemy.” As children, they commit an alchemy taboo and try to bring their dead mother back to life. As a consequence, one brother loses an arm and a leg, and the other loses his entire body. This story is about the two brothers trying to restore their bodies — and the events they get involved in along the way. Edward Elric, one of the brothers, is depicted as an open and outspoken atheist.
Religious Satire/Dystopia:
Small Gods by Sir Terry Pratchett (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
Pratchett was an open atheist and humanist, and in this stand-alone novel in the Discworld universe, he satirizes the Protestant Reformation. In this world, the god Om has lost so many followers that he has become a near-powerless tortoise, relying on his last true follower to change the church and regain his power. This book is hysterically funny and one of my all-time favorites.
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
Hugo Award finalist and internet favorite Chuck Tingle has written a few acclaimed horror novels. Camp Damascus is a religious horror novel about a gay conversion camp. I’ll let you find out the rest by yourself.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
A sharp critique of religious colonialism packed into a simple-yet-timeless story of power struggles, tradition and masculinity. You may have read this book in high school — this is your sign to read it again!
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
A predictable choice? Maybe. But, hey, it’s a classic for a reason. Written in sparse, haunting prose, Atwood’s most famous work defies the take-down-the-establishment dystopian trope to follow an unnamed narrator quietly clinging to survival. At the same time, the theocratic regime in charge changes the world around her into something unrecognizable.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (Suggested by Legal Counsel Chris Line)
Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” is a captivating fantasy adventure that challenges religious authority, celebrates free inquiry and champions the pursuit of knowledge over dogma. Through the eyes of the courageous Lyra Belacqua, readers are invited to explore profound questions about freedom, morality and what it means to be truly human. This book would also work great for the blasphemous category.
Outdoors:
While you could read any book you want outside, we’ve picked a few nature-focused books for outside reading.
A Psalm for the Wildbuilt/Monk and Robot novella duology by Becky Chambers (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
A monk of the “god of simple pleasures” meets a robot, and they figure out some questions about existence. This book is an outdoor adventure, and so it is perfect for reading outside! It is also a delightful and thoughtful read. It is a fun look at a world with a completely different kind of religious system, where gods aren’t beings, but words for facets of the universe. The author, Becky Chambers, is agnostic.
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff (Suggested by Director of Operations Lisa Strand)
A young girl flees Jamestown to escape servitude and abuse. The girl’s relentless quest for survival (of smallpox, starvation, predation and more), also leads her to an understanding of life’s meaning beyond the paternalism of colonial life and religion.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
Amy Tan doesn’t consider herself to belong to any religion, but does consider herself a lover of birds. This book is about observing nature and backyard birds. It also includes many sketches by the author. If you want something more quiet and thoughtful, this could be your read.
Blasphemous Book:
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
A gay romance novel about an auditor of an orphanage for magical children, and the man who runs the orphanage. One of the children is the son of Satan, which I consider blasphemous enough to count as a major plus. This book is very sweet and hopeful, and is a charming read.
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
A nightmarish theocracy takes hold in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by monsters and man-made diseases. Perfect for horror and fantasy fans alike.
The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie (Suggested by Legal Counsel Chris Line)
Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses” is a bold, imaginative novel that explores faith, doubt and identity through magical realism and sharp satire. Its publication sparked one of the most significant free speech controversies of the 20th century — making it a powerful reminder of the importance of defending the right to question and challenge religious ideas.
FFRF Blog Post:
Charlie Kirk glorifies a life of subordination for women and girls at ‘Young Women’s Leadership Summit by Caitlin Berray
This blog is based on Caitlin’s personal experience attending a Charlie Kirk–endorsed “Leadership Summit” geared toward young women. It’s a really interesting and weird look at this world of young Christian womanhood.
Dangerous fake abortion clinics rise as Planned Parenthoods close by Sammi Lawrence
A probe of “crisis pregnancy centers,” which are faux-religious clinics not staffed by real medical providers that scare pregnant people away from abortions. They get taxpayer dollars, by the way! Sammi takes a legal lens at why they are showing up in force.
The dangers of forced outing by Kat Grant
A legal and humanist exploration of why laws forcing schools to “out” their students to parents are extremely dangerous for children.
The Supreme Court deals final blow to the Voting Rights Act by Charlotte Gude
An explanation of how a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision is a death knell for the very important Voting Rights Act.
What the hell is traditional about a tradwife? by Rowan Hahn
A look into the tradwife influencer trend, its Christian, anti-feminist leanings, and its historical connections.
State/Church History:
Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
A hard look at the last century of Christian nationalism in America, it investigates the intersection of evangelism and hypermasculinity and asks: “How did we get here?”
The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American by Andrew L. Seidel (Suggested by Legal Counsel Chris Line)
Andrew L. Seidel’s “The Founding Myth” dismantles the claim that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, using history, constitutional text and the Founders’ own words. Engaging and thoroughly researched, it’s an essential read for anyone interested in church-state separation and the ongoing fight against Christian nationalism. This author is nonreligious and a former FFRF attorney!
The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart (Suggested by Legal Counsel Chris Line)
Katherine Stewart’s “The Power Worshippers” is a gripping investigation into the political movement seeking to erode the separation of church and state and reshape American democracy along Christian nationalist lines. Through extensive reporting and firsthand interviews, Stewart reveals how religious extremism gains influence and why defending secular government remains as important as ever.
The Devils of Loudun by Aldous Huxley (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
From the author of “Brave New World” comes a dense, immersive and (mostly) true account of a 17th-century French town’s brush with “demonic possession” among the town’s religious ruling class. This is a fascinating piece of obscure religious history that asks important questions about the nature of religion and the dangers of state/church entanglement. (Also works for the philosophy/self-help category.)
Medicine River by Mary Annette Pember
A sweeping and deeply personal account of Native American boarding schools in the United States — and the legacy of abuse wrought by them in an attempt to destroy Native culture and life. From the mid-19th century to the late 1930s, tens of thousands of Native children were pulled from their tribal communities to attend boarding schools whose stated aim was to “save the Indian” by way of assimilation. In reality, these boarding schools — sponsored by the U.S. government but often run by various religious orders with little to no regulation — were a calculated attempt to dismantle tribes by pulling apart Native families. This book is available at our store!
Science:
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
Now a major motion picture, this story is about a scientist trapped in space trying to save the world. Strap in and get ready to learn a lot of math, physics and biology. This book is a lot of fun and the science in it is very interesting.
The Martian by Andy Weir (Suggested by Legal Counsel Chris Line)
Stranded alone on Mars, astronaut Mark Watney survives not through faith or miracles, but through ingenuity, evidence-based thinking and relentless problem-solving. Andy Weir’s “The Martian” is a thrilling celebration of science, human resilience — and the power of reason in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
Birding to Change the World: A Memoir by Trish O’Kane (Suggested by Director of Operations Lisa Strand)
Trish O’Kane takes us on her journey from losing her home to Hurricane Katrina to becoming a Ph.D. candidate in environmental science at UW-Madison. Her research focuses on the bird population in Madison’s Warner Park, matching university students with neighborhood children to explore nature in their own backyard. When the park’s existence is threatened, she and her fellow bird lovers become activists to save the park. O’Kane packs the books with facts about birds and wonderful stories about the local people who started Wild Warner.
Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari
From the author of “Sapiens” comes a new book on how information networks have shaped our society and, of course, how they are currently affecting it. With the current push towards AI, this book is especially relevant.
Nonreligious biography/memoir:
Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
A hit bestseller by a self-described atheist and popular music artist (“Japanese Breakfast”), this memoir follows Zauner as she experiences losing her mother to cancer. It discusses grief, connection to heritage and the complications that come with it, and the confusing existence of being someone’s daughter. This is a sad book! But it also has a lot of heart.
We Of Little Faith: Why I Stopped Pretending to Believe (and Maybe You Should Too) by Kate Cohen
This book is an atheist’s impassioned call for nonbelievers to be honest with themselves and their families about their lack of belief — and in so doing change the American cultural conversation. Even though a growing number of Americans don’t believe in God, many remain reluctant to say so out loud. Kate Cohen argues that not only is it rewarding for those of little faith to announce themselves, but it’s also crucial to our country’s future. Cohen will also be a guest at our convention this year! This book is available at our store!
Wayward, A Memoir of Spiritual Warfare and Sexual Purity by Alice Greczyn
When Alice Greczyn’s parents felt called by God to exchange worldly employment for heavenly provision, they followed their faith into homelessness with five children and a cat in tow. Homeschooled and avowed never to kiss a man until her wedding day, Alice had plans to escape her situation by becoming a missionary nurse — plans that were put on hold with the opening of an unexpected door: the opportunity to be an actress in Hollywood. What followed was a test of faith unlike any she had prepared for, an arranged betrothal she never saw coming, and a psychological shattering that forced her to learn how to survive without the only framework for life she had ever known. This book is available at our store!
Losing Faith in Faith by FFRF’s Co-President Dan Barker
After 19 years of evangelical preaching, missionizing, evangelism and Christian songwriting, Dan Barker “threw out the bathwater and discovered there is no baby there.” Barker describes the intellectual and psychological struggle required to move from fundamentalism to freethought. There are sections on biblical morality, the historicity of Jesus, bible contradictions, the unbelievable resurrection — and much more. This book is an arsenal for skeptics and a direct challenge to believers. This book is available at our store!
Philosophy/Self-Help:
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan (Suggested by Legal Counsel Chris Line)
Carl Sagan’s “The Demon-Haunted World” is an inspiring call to embrace skepticism, critical thinking and the scientific method as tools for understanding reality. More than a defense of science, it is a powerful argument for intellectual freedom and the importance of questioning claims rather than accepting them on faith. This book is available at our store!
Contraduction by FFRF’s Co-President Dan Barker
Our co-president has written many atheist philosophy books — and this is his most recent. This book is available at our store!
Humanists In The Hood, Unapologetically Black, Feminist, and Heretical by Sikivu Hutchinson
Feminism and atheism are “dirty words” that Americans across the political spectrum love to debate — and often hate. Throw them into a blender and you have a toxic brew that supposedly defies decency, respectability, and Americana. Add an “unapologetically” Black critique to the mix and it’s a deal-breaking social taboo. Putting gender at the center of the equation, progressive “Religious Nones” of color are spearheading an anti-racist, social justice humanism. This book is available at our store!
Nonreligious Author:
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
First published in 1993, this dystopian sci-fi novel is set in a climate-change-ridden portrait of America led by a president whose campaign promised to “Make America Great Again.” Prescient.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
While any of her books works, this one is my personal favorite. A sci-fi feminist masterwork about a diplomat trying to connect a world without gender to other planets. This book includes a lot of politics, drama and very long trips.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Suggested by Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence)
Discover the true meaning of life, the universe and everything. There’s space, there are aliens, and there’s intergalactic bureaucracy. What’s not to love?
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
An extremely fun and silly play about two friends trying to court two different women, and pretending to be people they are not to win their favor.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
A classic novel about a man having an affair with another man in Paris, and his own internal struggles, as well as the societal struggles that affect him.
Maurice by E.M. Forster
Written in 1913–1914 but only published after Forster died in 1971. This is a gay love story with a happy ending. You can also read one of his many other novels, such as “A Room With a View” or “A Passage to India.”
Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay
A book of essays on feminism, politics, pop culture and more. It is an extremely funny and insightful read.
Allow Me To Retort – A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution by Elie Mystal
“Allow Me to Retort” is an easily digestible argument about what rights we have, what rights conservatives are trying to take away, and how to stop them. Mystal explains how to protect the rights of women and people of color instead of cowering to the absolutism of gun owners and bigots. This book is available at our store!
2026 Convention Speakers:
James by Percival Everett
A version of “Huckleberry Finn” from Jim’s perspective. Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illuminates Jim’s agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before. “James” is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of 21st-century American literature. This book is available at our store!
“Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality.” by Jim Obergefell
You might recognize Jim Obergefell’s name from “Obergefell v Hodges,” the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. In this book, he details all that went into the case and all the people who helped.
Why Fascists Fear Teachers by Randi Weingarten
Weingarten is the president of the AFT, a teacher’s union of 1.8 million individuals. This book details the importance of public education, teachers, and how fascists attempt to attack democracy by going after teachers and education.
The Citizen’s Guide to Political Change by Mickey Dollens
Mickey Dollens is our regional government affairs manager and also a state representative in Oklahoma. His book is a practical guide to how things like ballot initiatives and other political strategies work and how to start them. This book is available at our store!
(Non)religious-themed graphic novel:
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (Suggested by Marketing and PR Coordinator Ashley Harrison)
A memoir set in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, it discusses war, religious extremism — and what it was like growing up during a turbulent time.
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore & David Lloyd (Suggested by Legal Counsel Chris Line)
In “V for Vendetta,” Alan Moore and David Lloyd tell a gripping story of resistance against a totalitarian regime that uses fear, propaganda and conformity to maintain power. A powerful defense of freethought, individual liberty and the right to challenge authority, this graphic novel remains as relevant today as when it was first published.
Saint Catherine by Anna Meyer
A story about dealing with Catholic guilt, religious trauma and getting possessed by a demon: our protagonist skips mass for the first time and finds that she is possibly possessed by a demon.
DC Comics (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
Some DC characters are nonreligious/explicitly atheist! And a lot of them are my favorites. I’m excited to tell you that we get Batman, Booster Gold, Jessica Cruz (Green Lantern), Mister Terrific and Tim Drake (Red Robin). The comic “Jessica Cruz: Green Lanterns (2016) #42” discusses Jessica’s religious thoughts in more depth if you want a specific one to check out. However, I think any comic for these characters would count.
Journal/Post:
Instead of giving you some recommendations for books to journal or post about, here are some prompts for journaling.
- What did you find most interesting or compelling in the book? Why? Do you think others would feel the same way about it?
- How do you think this book applies to current issues?
- Did this book’s philosophy on religion resonate with you? Or do you disagree with it?
- Did you learn anything new from this book? How will you use this knowledge going forward?
- Was there a particular scene or character that stood out to you? Why?
Library Book:
While this can be any book, here’s a rec for one that didn’t fit into other categories!
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
This is one of the most popular books of the summer, and for good reason. This book is a thriller that touches on many things we care about here at FFRF, such as Christian nationalism, the oppressive structures of religion that oppress women, and how people reinforce these ideals. I spent most of this book feeling incredibly sorry for the main character and also really hating her. It’s a great read with a lot to say on current politics and how religion plays into it.
Audiobook:
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (Suggested by Digital Media Manager Rowan Hahn)
“Dungeon Crawler Carl” is an action- and comedy-filled series that also hits with haunting political commentary. This book series is well known for its excellent audiobook. The simple plot is a guy and his ex-girlfriend’s cat (Princess Dount) getting put into an alien game show, where they have to fight to survive. There is exactly one line in this series that alludes to the main character, Carl, “not being the church-going type” but I’m counting this as being nonreligious enough. This series could probably also count as blasphemous for many reasons, but notably for “Uzi Jesus” (Jesus with an Uzi) who shows up later in the series. I can’t recommend this book series enough; it’s incredibly fun while also being thoughtful and poignant.
Wow. That was a lot of books. Well, hopefully that gives you some ideas for what to read! Feel free to comment here on some of your picks!
Remember, to enter the raffle for a chance to win prizes, you need to post your finished bingo online on a public account and tag us on Facebook or Instagram. Please make sure to use the tag #FFRFSummerReading on that post, or any posts on your reading updates! You can also enter via DM. Read the full list of rules here.
The post 50ish nonreligious books to read this summer appeared first on Freethought Now.