Before reading this book, I always felt that there was something not quite right about religious explanations as to how human beings, animals, plants and all life came to being, regardless of whether one takes The Book of Genesis literally or metaphorically.

Richard Dawkins opened my eyes to a rich, yet simple and satisfying explanation to how life evolved from its simplest forms. As a non-scientist, this was a good introduction for me to be interested in genetics and biology. The explanations here make it easy for one to understand evolution. This book is a wonderful and surprising eye-opener.

If you want to see what it must have been like for our ancestors 80,000 years ago, watch this 1981 film called The Quest For Fire, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.

For our ancestors, fire was the currency of their time: whoever possessed it, had power. This film shows the quest of three men who venture out to ?steal? fire from other tribes after having lost theirs.

Scientists were consulted to make this film as plausible, and as realistic, as possible.

The first scenes made me appreciate how it must have been like for our ancestors? naked, and vulnerable to predators and disease in a violent, lawless world.

I did not know about this film and it is about twenty years old. I wish more science-inspired films like this are made.

Religions have survived for thousands of years and their arguments have evolved to survive that long.

There is something odd about religions and religious doctrines and ideas. There are many things not fitting in. Not many of us are able to articulate what we feel and why we feel the way we feel when confronted with convoluted religious logic, arguments and explanations to what happens and why they happen in the natural world.

Reading this, I remember thinking: Finally there is someone out there with a mind, schooled and trained in science, brilliant and intelligent enough to be able to tackle the complexities of arguing against the idea that personal gods can exist.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali writes about the details of her life growing up in Somalia, as a Muslim. Then, she escapes to Europe to avoid a pre-arranged marriage. There, she details how her mind transformed from a Muslim who believed in Islam to an atheist. Since the murder of Theo Van Gogh, she began living her life under cover. She continues to speak out for the rights of women in the Islamic world.

Sam Harris points out the absurdity of religious beliefs and their ability to make human beings commit attrocities (Witch Hunts, The Inquisition and The Holocaust) to each other. He points out the folly of 'religious moderation' as breeding grounds for religious extremism. Then he tackles terrorism: What happens when men with old-age ideologies get their hands on modern-day weapons that can wipe out millions of people?

This book was published in 2004. At a time when not many dared to challenge the value of entrenched religious beliefs and ideas, Sam Harris had the strength and courage to strongly do so.

As a Muslim, Ayan Hirsi Ali provides us with an objective and intelligent insight and analysis of Islam, Muslims and most importantly, the treatment of, and attitudes towards, Muslim women and their place in their families and societies. Coming from a Muslim who is able to see the world through Muslim and 'Western' eyes, this work is very valuable for all of us.