Am I A Hindu?/the Hinduism Primer

Rating:
Summary: A must read for everyone
Review: I was introduced to the book in a very diferent situation. My 17 year son bought the book ,he read it and recommended it to me.I thought it must be another book by some religious fanatic. I didn't read it then. Unfortunately my son died in a road accident soon.I was devastated, needed so many answers to my questions, about life and death,mysteries of life, and I found this book in my sons library.Though it didnt answer all the questions cropping in my mind, but did take me to the path for search for more answers.
I have shared this book with scores of my freinds, and recommend to all to once go through the questions and answers so nicely compiled and written by Mr. Vishwanathan.


Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for Indians born in USA
Review: I saw this book for the very first time, while browsing through a book store in London Heathrow airport. Honestly, what caught my eyes is the name of the book. Unlike all other books I read about Hinduism, this book is very simple. I read the whole book during my flight from London to New York. This book answered all my questions I had about my culture my culture as well as my religion. I also learned so aspects of Christianity also from this book. The book also helped me to answer all type of questions my Christian friends ask me. Now when they ask me, "Why Hindus worship many gods?" I can answer them, "Hindus worship the one and only God - Brahman which express itself in many forms." When they ask me, "Why Hindus worship idols?" I can answer them, "Like every one else, including Christians, Hindus use idols or icons to concentrate on God who has no name or form." I can also tell them that Hindus believe that every person who search after truth will attain salvation [ self-realization] irrespective of whether he or she is a Hindu or Christian or Moslem. Am I A Hindu? is indeed a book for Indians born in the west who are desperately trying to learn about their faith. In short, AM I A HINDU? Is a great book for anyone who wants to know everything about Hinduism. An amazing book without any dogma or demagoguery.

Rating:
Summary: Looking through the mirror of Christianity
Review: While the author's intentions are good, he has fallen in to the trap of seeing Hindu Dharma through the mirror of Christianity. A more direct look at the subject would have been better. This book has served its purpose few decades ago and is outdated now. I would recommend more recent book like "Idiot's guide to Hinduism" by Linda Johnsen. She has taken a more direct approach of explaining the conecpts in 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: 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!