It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Krista Ocier of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. Before publishing, Melody traveled around the world, volunteered in teen ministry, taught preschool, raised two sons, and worked briefly in interior design and later in international adoption. “I think real-life experiences inspire the best fiction,” she says. Her wide variety of books seem to prove this theory.
Catwalkand the first book in theOn The Runwayseries Premiere are sure to be a hit with teen girls whose interests include fashion, Hollywood, and reality TV. Featuring the two Forrester sisters, Paige and Erin, the series chronicles their new roles in a TV series ‘On The Runway’. Catwalk highlights the sisters’ trip to New York City for the famous Fashion Week and takes them on a whirlwind tour of designer studios, television sets, and fashion shows. As they navigate impossible time schedules and unexpected catastrophes, the sisters quickly learn that they must depend on each other and the individual strengths they both offer.
Catwalk is a fun to read story that takes the reader right into the heart of New York fashion. However Ms. Carlson manages to interject plenty of serious thoughts to ponder including dating relationships, friendship, forgiveness, and doing the right thing. That she also manages to introduce spiritual themes without seeming preachy is a major plus.
Another plus for readers of Carlson’s other series is that several familiar characters from her Carter House Girls series show up in Catwalk. I would venture to say that both Premiere and Catwalk are must reads for teen girls.
People around the world are asking the same question, enraptured with Edward and Bella’s forbidden romance in the Twilight Saga, a four-book serial phenomenon written by Stephenie Meyer. The bestsellers tell the story of a regular girl’s relationship with a vampire who has chosen to follow his “good” side. But the Saga isn’t just another fantasy–it’s teaching girls about love, sex, and purpose. With 48 million copies in print and a succession of upcoming blockbuster films, now is the time to ask the important question: Can vampires teach us about God’s plan for love?
Touched by a Vampire is the first book to investigate the themes of the Twilight Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital sexual abstinence, which align with Meyer’s Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story’s redemptive qualities outshine its darkness.
Cautionary, thoughtful, and challenging, Touched by a Vampireis written for Twilight fans, parents, teachers, and pop culture enthusiasts. It includes an overview of the series for those unfamiliar with the storyline and a discussion guide for small groups.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth Felker Jones is an Assistant Professor of Theology on the staff of Wheaton College. She and her husband Bryan, a United Methodist minister have three children.
MY REVIEW:
I have not read any of the Twilight series but like almost everyone who is at all aware of contemporary culture, especially those who browse the book sections of Sam’s Club or Walmart, I have noticed the recent prevalence of books with vampire themes. Why, I even saw a vampire Christmas book in Walmart last week! Then too, I have heard fellow Christians raving about how hooked they are on the series. Not only that but I have had a couple of vampire books offered to me for review through a Christian blog alliance. So you could say that in the year 2009, we are surrounded by vampire hype.
I was initially hesitant to review Touched by a Vampire because I was afraid it was just one more book written to take advantage of the current craze. However my curiosity took control and I accepted the challenge. To my delight, Touched by a Vampireis an easily read book that has been arranged intelligently by the primary themes of the Twilight series. The author has read the books and shares her honest thoughts about them, making sure that the reader understands she does not consider herself an expert. As Ms. Jones discusses each topic, she shares insights about how it applies within the book and contrasts it with Biblical principles. I personally believe that she has done a remarkable job.
The one overwhelming impression that I gleaned from Touched by a Vampireis that the Twilight series is driven by unhealthy obsession. If I have ever briefly considered reading it out of curiosity, my desire to do so has now been quenched. If anyone is considering reading the Twilight series or wonders whether to allow a daughter to read it, PLEASE read Touched by a Vampirefirst. I think you will be glad you did.
I have two copies of Touched by a Vampire – Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga to give away this week. If you would like to enter the drawing, please read my previous post with a review, then leave a comment on this post with your thoughts about the Twilight series and the current vampire craze.
Entry deadline is Saturday, November 21. I will choose the two winners using the generator at random.org and will announce them on Sunday, November 22 if possible.
U. S. residents only please.
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DISCLAIMER
Book links may contain Amazon associate codes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links may be from other associates.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
EXAMINING TWILIGHT THROUGH A BIBLICAL LENS
Beth Felker Jones is 
