Book Reviews
DANIEL AND THE DARK ARTS (£2.50)
(Comments by Wesley Owen Book Shop 24-Jan-2008)
Most kids love Harry Potter; this book in a light, humorous style looks at myths, superstitions and magic from a Christian perspective and children aged 8-12 can learn how the occult relates to them.
A Charmed Life (£8.95 )
(Comments by Wesley Owen Book Shop 24-Jan-2008)
Where do you stand on Harry Potter? This is a passionate defence of the popular Harry Potter books. Bridger carefully explores Harry and Hogwarts, and gives reasons for allowing our children to read it.
Francis Bridger is answering a real need. He shows that wizardry and witchcraft in the Harry Potter books (and films) is only a fictional device, comparable with the ingenuities of science fiction, or Batman. Quite different from witchcraft that stands in conflict with Christianity.
Have you read the Harry Potter books? Have your children or your friends? Can you put your finger on why they have been such a phenomenal success.? Francis Bridger's exploration of the spirituality of the world of Harry and Hogwarts suggests reasons for its appeal to childen and adults alike. It explains why some schools and libraries banned the books, but claims that they don't promote witchcraft or evil any more than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Lord of the Rings, or the Bible. In fact their spirituality and morality promote the all-conquering power of love. The three friends are flawed and vulnerable, and their magical world is far from perfect, but their commitment to each other makes them heroes. Full of fascinating facts and insights, A Charmed Life is a must for all Potter fans.
The Harry Potter Effect (£6.99 )
(Comments by Wesley Owen Book Shop 23-Jan-2008)
J K Rowling's Harry Potter series is uncontested as the greatest children's book phenomenon of all time. The films that followed have served to widen the appeal even further.
Christians have been notoriously divided over Harry. Some have denounced the stories as a dangerously attractive introduction to the world of the occult. Others welcome their celebration of love over evil, to say nothing of their literary success in a world that many feared had given up on books altogether.
John Houghton looks at The Harry Potter effect, both in the wider culture and in the Christian community. His considered critique offers timely and valuable insight for fans and detractors alike, as well as parents, teachers and all those who work with children.
The Gospel According To Harry Potter (£9.99)
(Comments by Wesley Owen Book Shop 23-Jan-2008)
Think you've made up your mind on Harry Potter? This excellent book might just force you to rethink. Connie Neal looks at the first four Potter books finding echoes of the gospel as she goes.
With an arsenal of charming allusions and parallels, Neal persuasively demonstrates that Harry Potter need not be rejected as a threat to the Christian faith, as some have claimed. Written accessibly in short three- to four page chapters, Neal's The Gospel According To Harry Potter is a much needed stroke of interpretive genius and a fascinating reflection on our time's most popular literary series.