What did you like least about this book?

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 17 Feb 2024, 06:09

This is a discussion topic for the February 2024 Book of the Month, "Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes" by Ali Master.

What did you like least about this book?

Cristina-Ioana Toader · Post by **Cristina-Ioana Toader** » 17 Feb 2024, 13:37

While I respect that "Matham" is a cultural tradition, the aspect of the book that I found least appealing was its depiction of this religious ritual. "Matham" involves a mourning ceremony that includes self-flagellation and chest-beating, which I personally found a bit graphic. What made it particularly unsettling was the mention that children younger than 11 were present alongside adults to witness it.

Kathy-Smith · Post by **Kathy-Smith** » 25 Feb 2024, 12:52

I respect others' religions, but I felt like the push for Christianity was overly zealous and the approach was potentially disrespectful to any Muslims reading it. I'm agnostic so I can't say for sure.

Post by **Joy Stanley** » 26 Feb 2024, 02:03

I would say the book cover. It wasn’t alluring. Though we aren’t to judge a book by its cover however I felt the author would have done better

Ramadevi Tatavarthi · Post by **Ramadevi Tatavarthi** » 01 Mar 2024, 03:53

One thing I dislike about this book is that it seems somewhat biased towards Christianity. At times, I felt that the author disrespected his own culture and the people back in his country.

Post by **Ladejobi Oluwaseyi** » 01 Mar 2024, 16:53

Everything in the book resonated well with me. There was nothing I would say I loved least. I loved everything from the book cover to the content.

Clauson Justin · Post by **Clauson Justin** » 04 Mar 2024, 13:42

I disliked nothing about the book. It was very well written. I found the author's conversion to Christianity superb, although this may be biased as I am a Christian. I loved the book.

Post by **Priyankan Nayak** » 07 Mar 2024, 23:35

While studying in America the author faced prejudice and discrimination from his professors. That's what I liked least.
The author got involved in a toxic relationship. He had tried to do suicide which wasn't a good decision at all.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 08 Mar 2024, 10:07

I was not a fan of the descriptions of his work as a tax consultant.

Sylveria Savage · Post by **Sylveria Savage** » 18 Mar 2024, 11:43

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall, one aspect that didn't sit quite right with me was the depiction of the "Matham" ritual. While I understand its cultural significance, the graphic portrayal of self-flagellation and chest-beating during the mourning ceremony felt unsettling to me. Additionally, the inclusion of children younger than 11 witnessing such intense rituals alongside adults was particularly distressing.

Miracle Kingss · Post by **Miracle Kingss** » 28 Apr 2024, 05:30

There was nothing I didn't like about the book's content

Post by **Hella Layot** » 29 Jun 2024, 07:45

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.

Post by **Hella Layot** » 29 Jun 2024, 07:46

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.

Post by **Hella Layot** » 29 Jun 2024, 07:47

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.

Post by **Hella Layot** » 29 Jun 2024, 07:48

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.