I have read the book. Only 80 pages so far. I got it only yesterday. I have also read some of the comments --- mostly the angry ones.

Based on limited knowledge of the book, I can say that Tarek Fatah does jolt you with his blunt message. He does not mince words. He does not simply call a spade a spade --- he calls it a goddamn shovel!

I can best compare the message in the book, and the reaction to it, with a performance review meeting that a boss has with an employee whose performance has been lacking and who, at best, does not deserve a raise and, at worst, could be laid off. The boss points out specific instances where the employee goofed, didn’t make a good judgment, and generally made a mess of things. The employee, obviously, does not like the message and, instead of introspecting and trying to overcome his weaknesses, blames others for his poor performance and even questions the motives of his boss.

Unfortunately, however, most of the facts, if not all, do not favor the employee.

Aziz Ahmad
New York
July 25, 2008
azizakhmad@yahoo.com

P.S: I have come to this website after 3 years. The last time I was here, FOTH was conducting the great debate on “Can we say goodbye to God?” I can see the debate was inconclusive.