The Watchers Review

The Watchers written by Mark Andrew Olsen, is about a young woman named Abigail. She finds herself the target of an an ancient order of assassins called The Brotherhood after having a very strange, very real dream. Why, say you, is that grounds for death? Well, you see, this particular dream is the beginning of a looong journey in the fight between angels and demons, good vs. evil, myspace vs. facebook. But I digress... get ready to go on a journey around the world, because this battle is BIG. But generally unseen, unless of course you're a.... Watcher! Review anyone?

Review: This book is sort of a guilty pleasure for Christians. Not because it's trashy or excessively violent, believe me this books ranks a zero on the raunch meter. But because of the many times you will say "yeah right" when you should be saying "right on". It's action packed and suspenseful, but Innocent and sweet. I think any christian would enjoy a book like this, and hey you just know it's going to have a happy ending!! And I like that. I have some beef with all the angel stuff, but I'll unload that in the theory zone, and as always don't read beyond this if you are going to pick it up and read it for yourself.

Theory: Maybe I'm a little cynical and slightly hardened because many times throughout the book I'd mutter "whatever..." Which is marginally a testament to my unbelief, but also because of my ever-growing skepticism of most things that claim to be angelic. Let me explain; the Bible is not very clear and forthcoming on angels and their habits. To assume anything about their demeanor presence or purpose would be, dangerous. This is what I know from reading scripture, they are mostly messengers, they are watchers themselves, they do many things, they are in many places. One guards a tree, the other blocks a path. The point is that God only knows who and what they are. They shouldn't be deified or glorified because glory goes only to the Lord. There is a danger of becoming too mystical with angels and while they are a great mystery they are God's to reveal and direct. I know it may seem strange maybe even a little contradictory, but I have no problem with engaging in fantastical stories of fairies and goblins, hobbits and dragons, because they aren't real. Stories can run wild with fanciful imaginings of, what if these things were real, what would they do. But with angels and things I believe in, I try not to let my imagination roam, lest I start believing in something that isn't true.

So in conclusion, if you like these epic good vs. evil stories even if you aren't a christian I would pick it up. But take the angel stuff with a grain of salt, lest you start believing something that isn't true!

The Shack Review

The Shack was written by William P. Young. It's about a man named Mack. He loses his daughter tragically and is left with what he calls "The Great Sadness". Which ultimately leads Mack to the conclusion that God is not benevolent, God is not good. Sort of a Westerner's version of God on Trial (check that one out if you can, saw it on PBS) This book is very spiritual, very christian.

Review: This book had me blubbering like a baby. Which means it must be good because I'm not a crier! It's painful to read, not because it sucks but because it's truthful. It's unrelenting in it's full disclosure of just how evil this world can be. There were some points where I was disappointed, only because I have my very own, very strong opinions about God and hearing someone else's interpretation of Him is almost guaranteed to disappoint on some level. That being said, there is a whole lot in this book that I agree with, more than disagree.
This book is difficult to review, and even harder to theorize. It means different things to different people. And as for what it means to me, well, it really doesn't matter. When the subject is God and His relationship with you, it can't help but to be completely individualized and personal. So, yes read it. And form your own individualized and personal opinion of this book.

Theory: The book's message is this (it's not even slightly cryptic) God loves you, and he proved it by dying for you. This is what the gospel has to say about it: John 15:13 (New International Version)
13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Coming Soon.....

Jane Eyre vs. Twilight

As I've stated they are very similar books. Paralleled and yet polarized. Stephenie (author of Twilight) got a lot of inspiration from Jane Eyre, so we'll see how they stack up....