God is Not One by Stephen Prothero

To understand our world, Prothero says, "We need to know something about the basic beliefs and practices of the world's religions."  (337)  He provides that information on Islam, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Yoruba Religion (perhaps the third largest religion in the world), Judaism, and Daoism.  He also includes a chapter on atheism. 
Prothero's desire is that all religions get along with their religious rivals.  He is convinced this goal needs to be pursued through a new means.  Rather than lumping all religions together, "we must start with a clear-eyed understanding of the fundamental differences in both belief and practice" between major religions.  Denying differences is a recipe for disaster.
Prothero has done a great job introducing to the reader the most influential religions of today.  Anyone desiring to understand today's world will benefit from reading this book.