Rating: 
Summary: The Very Best Introduction of Hinduism
Review: The Very Best Introduction of Hinduism for the 21st Century.
If you are in the market for a thorough understanding of Hinduism without spending hours and hours searching through all kind of printed material out there, this is the book for you. I finished this book in 6 hours and I could not believe how much I learnt about Hinduism. The beauty of this book is that it takes you through the complex spiritual diversity of India, explaining every aspect of Hinduism in very simple sentences. Am I A Hindu? may be the only one available in market, that explain to the people of 21st century the "whys" and "whats" of the oldest culture/ religion in the world. Until I read this book, I did not know Buddhism, Sikhism and to some extent Jainism originated from Hinduism. After reading this book [in a question-and-answer format, ] I found that almost all of my questions I had about Hinduism were answered. No wonder Library Journal and other magazines recommend this book for all public and private libraries. This book is an encyclopedia of Hinduism as well as a truly inspirational book.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent book every Hindu can be Proud of
Review: I was born and raised in a very orthodox Hindu family and as such I have read many books on Hinduism. With all honestly, I have to admit, I never ever saw a book like this about Sanathana Dharma or Hinduism. This book covers everything one wanted to know about Hinduism, and answers every question one will have about Hinduism, specially the questions every Indian child will have, in a very lucid, well organized style. There are many well illustrated educational flow charts about different aspects of Hinduism in this book. I have not seen such charts in any other Hindu book. Am I A Hindu? can be described as an encyclopedia of Hinduism, dealing with the history of Hinduism, the sacred scriptures from Vedas to Puranas and major branches of Hinduism, such as Vaisnavism, Saivism, and Saktism. Mr. Viswanathan has done an excellent job of explaining very complex Hindu philosophies and beliefs with out sacrificing the subtle truths ancient Hindu scriptures convey to the world. Amazing that he achieved all this with out mentioning many Sanskrit verses from Hindu scriptures. I urge every one, especially Indians, to read this book.. I have decided to give copies of this book as Christmas presents to some of my co-workers who constantly ask me questions about Hinduism. Mr, Viswanathan, you have indeed done a great job and pray that you will write and publish more books on Hinduism.
Rating:
Summary: A non-Hindu Review
Review: I just was introduced to the tenets of Hinduism a few months ago, and reading this book brought me farther into the depths of understanding. In an easily readily conversational style of writing, Viswanathan creates a comprehensive picture of the great way of life. Some of the book contains rituals and history of scripture, which can be hard for an "outsider" to read, but the essence of Hinduism is pronounced strongly by the rest of the text. Very effective overall.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent for people searching for knowledge about Hinduism.
Review: Am I A Hindu by Ed Vishwanathan is an excellent book for beginners, people who have developed a sudden urge to know more about religions and what they are all about. I came across this book just at the right time in my life when i was actually looking for some answers. This book has made me more proud to be a Hindu and I feel that it has made me more openminded and accepting of other religions by giving me something to think about.Many questions are answered about this great religion very precisely and factually. Very simple and usual things like the significance of 'aum', meaning of 'bindi'(the dot that Indian women wear on their forehead)etc. have been very simply explained. Explanations that one wonders about but never got the right direction to heed them from have all been clearly put in this great piece of wriring. I congratulate Mr. Vishwanathan on his incredile piece of work and hope that he enlightens us more by writing more books like this one.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book!
Review: Recognizing the lack of knowledge in my religion, a friend gave me this book as a present. While at times sophomoric, a teenager asks elementary questions to his father, it answered a lot of questions that I always was too embarassed to ask my parents since I should already know them!
This is a great read on Hinduism and also explains why Hindus have never impressed their ideals on people from other religions.
Rating:
Summary: Practical approach...A Great work!
Review: After reading this book, I feel proud of being a Hindu! It was not the case few years ago. I was born and brought up in not-so-orthodox Hindu family. But I was still more-or-less forced to follow rituals and chant mantra which I couldn't comprehend and also disliked. From my childhood I was against the concept of personification of God. As a result I became a atheist and ridiculed mythology. After talking to many people, over years, I understood the difference between mythology, rituals and the spirituality! Few days back I thought of studying Hinduism and all of the sudden came across this book! The title caught me! I read it with great interest and as I moved along my interest grew. This book put forward practical approach to study Hinduism. It gives the clear perception of what is Hindu mythology and what is Hinduism. It explains things by drawing anologies with modern science and at the same time do not take analogies too far as done in other accounts. It also advocates the practical approach towards learning Meditation, Spirituality and emphasize bringing Truth and Non-violence in our life. It teaches "What is means to be a Hindu?". Apart from it is also address question like "Why Indian women wear dot?", Holy Cows, ghost and devils etc. The book also has some draw-backs too. Some arguments are completely out of place. It is not very well organized. It has no index, no glossary and many unexplained terms. This make perhaps little difficult for westerner, totally unfamiliar with Hinduism, to follow? Repeated use of DADDY is also funny!!!
Rating:
Summary: A Gift To Us
Review: I highly recommend "Am I a Hindu?" for anyone who wants to know basic Hindu thought, culture, and more. It is more than an introductory book, it fulfills so much of what you'd want to know, and so much things that you THOUGHT you knew. Anyone who has a desire to learn about Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) must read this book. I highly praise Vishwanathan for his work. Being the admirable, humble Hindu, he accepts no praise! I have had the book for quite some time, but often find myself refering to it! It's a must-have. Unlimited Peace!
Rating:
Summary: Great for Youth Understanding
Review: I found this book especially helpful to Hindu youths who wish to better understand their culture and heritage. The conversational style and tone of the book was easy to follow and relate to. It is also great as a reference guide and as a catalyst for further reading and understanding of the Hindu religion.
Rating:
Summary: A very basic tool to get to know Hinduism
Review: I liked this book alot, the question and answer format was wonderful. It gives a very basic view of Hinduism without delving too much into mythology.
Rating:
Summary: Hinduism 101
Review: As a Hindu youth brought up in America, My parents never enforced Hinduism strictly. I was taught about it, but it was understood that it would have to be tailored to fit the mixed (Indian/American) lifestyle that my brother and I would lead. As I have grown, I have developed my own interest in Hindusism, and this book could not have been a more suitable introduction to my religion. The question answer format that answered the all of the questions that come to one's mind was wonderful. This book is easy to read and understand and is fulfilling for readers of all ages. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in Hinduism and getting a simplistic response to all of the nitty gritty details.
|
