Reviewed by Readers' Favorite
I found Getting It, Then Getting Along by L. Reynolds Andiric a fascinating treatise on the world’s five major religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. With an unbiased perspective, the author simply explains the history and philosophy of each religion. The author’s intent is to increase the reader’s knowledge of the different religions in an effort to dispel misconceptions and the spread of misinformation that often leads to unnecessary dissension. Ms. Andiric also hopes that a better understanding of the religions might lead to greater tolerance of our differences and make getting along a preferred state.
In fact, reading Getting It, Then Getting Along by L. Reynolds Andiric changed my life. The knowledge and insight I gained through her balanced presentation offer a clarity I have rarely experienced when attempting to improve my understanding of the various religions. At the end of each religion’s chapter is a comprehensive list labeled “References/Bibliography” which I found impressive and useful. But, for me, the most important statement was on page 5: “The information (in this book) has been researched, read, amended and further clarified or modified by a learned, knowledgeable practitioner from within each of those (five) religions.” I took this as Ms. Andiric’s commitment and determination to present objective, factual information on each religion. So many books on religion seem to have an agenda to persuade or convert a reader to their religious philosophy. It is a great relief to read a book that only wants to educate and inform.
Reviewed by Literary Titan
“Getting It, Then Getting Along: Understanding the world’s five major religions, is a thought-provoking book that explains the five major religions that are prevalent today. The author did extensive research on each of the religions, explaining different elements in each and how they came to be. The author informs without trying to make one religion appear better than the other. The author is objective in her discussions and engages the reader throughout the text with a friendly writing style, ensuring that the reader understands one concept before going to the next.
The five major religions discussed in the book are Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. When reading about each of the mentioned religions, you realize that all believers are similar in one way or another. Every believer has faith in and trusts a supreme being. In her book, L. Reynolds Andiric insists on acknowledging each other’s beliefs and not being judgmental. L. Reynolds Andiric is an excellent author not just because of how she explained the subject in her book, but also for the periodic reminders about being gracious to all.
The topics are eye-opening and interesting for any reader who is curious about certain religions but has not had the chance to interact with people that believe in different faiths. The author clearly highlights the similarities between the religions while also taking note of the differences. There is beauty in diversity and the author makes this clear at the end of each chapter. You will learn a lot, not just about religion, but also how different societies live. L. Reynolds Andiric also includes her personal stories and experiences in the discussions. I enjoyed reading the personal stories as I found them to be interesting, and I felt that they made me understand better where the author came from.
Getting It, Then Getting Along will appeal to readers interest in religious philosophy. A the end of the book, the reader understands why followers of different religions function the way they do and why spirituality is important for many. This book is not just for believers. This book is for anyone who has questions about the five religions discussed in the book and faith in general. Is the God worshipped by Christians any different from that worshiped by Muslims of Indians? Can people from different religions co-exist peacefully? How should the world deal with religious extremism? These and more questions are answered in this engaging and illuminating book.”
Getting It Then Getting Along: Understanding the World's Five Major Religions
Literary Titan Gold Book Award (2021)
“The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex character, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and imagination of these talented authors.”
Royal Palm Literary Awards 2021
Published book Getting It, Then Getting Along: Understanding the World’s Five Major Religions has won a Silver Award in this prestigious literary contest. African Experiences, an essay, won a Gold Award.
