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.
I have a copy of What the Bayou Saw by Patti Lacy to give away. If you would like to enter the drawing, please read my post containing the promotional material and my review at this link. Once you have read it, come back to this post and leave a comment expressing your thoughts about this book. Deadline to enter is Friday, November 20. I will choose a winner using the Random Generator and post the results on Saturday, November 21. Good luck!
Though Patti’s only been writing since 2005, she thinks her latest profession of capturing stories on paper (or computer files) will stick awhile.
The Still, Small Voice encouraged Patti to write after a brave Irish friend shared memories of betrayal and her decision to forgive. In 2008, An Irishwoman’s Tale was published by Kregel Publications. Patti’s second novel, What the Bayou Saw, draws on the memories of two young girls who refused to let segregation, a chain link fence, and a brutal rape come between them.
The secrets women keep and why they keep them continue to enliven Patti’s gray matter. A third book, My Name is Sheba, has been completed. Patti’s WIP, Recapturing Lily, documents a tug-of-war between a Harvard-educated doctor and an American pastor and his wife for a precious child and explores adoption issues, China’s “One Child” policy, and both Christian and secular views of sacrifice.
Patti also facilitates writing seminars in schools, libraries, and at conferences and has been called to present her testimony, “All the Broken Pieces,” at women’s retreats. She also leads a Beth Moore Bible study at her beloved Grace Church.
Patti and her husband Alan, an Illinois State faculty member, live in Normal with their handsome son Thomas, who attends Heartland Community College. On sunny evenings, you can catch the three strolling the streets of Normal with their dog Laura, whom they’ve dubbed a “Worchestershire Terrier” for her “little dab of this breed, a little dab of that breed.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Segregation and a chain link fence separated twelve-year-old Sally Flowers from her best friend, Ella Ward. Yet a brutal assault bound them together. Forever. Thirty-eight years later, Sally, a middle-aged Midwestern instructor, dredges up childhood secrets long buried beneath the waters of a Louisiana bayou in order to help her student, who has also been raped. Fragments of spirituals, gospel songs, and images of a Katrina-ravaged New Orleans are woven into the story.
The past can’t stay buried forever Rising author Patti Lacy’s second novel exposes the life of Sally, set amid the shadows of prejudice in Louisiana.
Since leaving her home in the South, Sally Stevens has held the secrets of her past at bay, smothering them in a sunny disposition and sugar-coated lies. No one, not even her husband, has heard the truth about her childhood.
But when one of her students is violently raped, Sally’s memories quickly bubble to the surface unbidden, like a dead body in a bayou. As Sally’s story comes to light, the lies she’s told begin to catch up with her. And as her web of deceit unravels, she resolves to face the truth at last, whatever the consequences.
With the great book description that was provided, what more is left to say? I can say that What The Bayou Saw is a thought provoking book that touches the heart. When Sally begins to relate the buried memories of her childhood, her experiences are seen through the understanding of an innocent child. Sally’s determination to set things right no matter the personal expense was her mature response to the situation as an adult.
Patty Lacy has written a masterpiece that takes the reader from the tense days of racial prejudice of the Louisiana of the sixties to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It is a tale of innocence shattered and fearfully buried secrets that come to light decades later. It is a story of the fear and injustice perpetrated by racism. And it is a story of courage that is strengthened by faith. You may not think What The Bayou Saw is your type book but it is a MUST read.
There were seven entries (8 comments but 1 duplicate) for this giveaway. I numbered them in the order the comments were received and used the number generator at random.org to choose the winner. The winning number was #4 for Cherie J. Congratulations Cherie. Keep your eyes open for an email from me with instructions on how to claim your book.
Stay tuned – I will have three book giveaways next week.
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EXAMINING TWILIGHT THROUGH A BIBLICAL LENS
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. 
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