 Life to the Full
by Loretta Andrews of Shine
This is an excellent little book for finding out what Christianity’s about, and what to expect when you become a Christian. It’s full of funky graphics and real life teen testimonies. It would be great as a gift
as encouragement for friends who are being teased, or who are unsure or have doubts or questions.
Also, it’s not too long, though the print is a bit small. The design might be felt by some people to be not “macho” enough for some boys – though the piccy of the Shine girls at the back should interest them !
The topics covered in the book include prayer, the bible, church, evangelism, doubts and fears.
 Score: 4/5
The Prayer of Jabez for Teens
 by Bruce Wilkinson
This is the teen version of the smash hit book about a little known character in the Old Testament.
It’s short and easy to read, and it aims to get Christians off their backsides and working for God, which can only be a good thing. It aims to be a bit “interactive”
by having a study guide to help you apply what you’ve read about, and the authors encourage you to join in the international Jabez movement by letting
them know about the successes you’ve had in your life since you started praying the Jabez Prayer.
To me, it seemed a bit naïve – it was trying to claim to be the answer to all of life’s problems – when in reality, only Jesus is the answer to all of life’s issues.
But then, that’s only my opinion !! Thousands apparently disagree with me !
 Score: 2/5
 A Closer Look at Harry Potter by John Houghton
This book is one of the many written for all those Christians who are concerned about the spiritual impact of Harry Potter on those who read it. Generally it makes
an interesting read, however I feel that the author lets himself down by failing to produce any evidence from the text to prove his assertions. This, however, does
not stop the book from having occasional flashes of brilliance, and some good common sense tips, but I get the feeling that John Houghton is not very well
acquainted with the Harry Potter books. He seems to really be writing about parents concerns with secular concepts and the prevalence of occult ideas in the media and our world today.
I also noted that the author does not bother to justify why he is writing the book, which given his vested financial interests in the children’s fantasy fiction market
(he is a children’s fantasy fiction writer himself) is very surprising indeed.
 Score: 3/5
 I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris
This is a really thoughtful and generally well-written book about a different approach to relationships with the opposite sex. Although it’s a bit long and the
text is a bit padded in places, there are some really good ideas for finding more positive ways to relate to other people in here. A real plus to this book is the fact
that the author is a young person himself, obviously really believes in this approach to dating, and is attempting (humbly) to put it into practice. However,
some of what he says will not be relevant to British people given that Americans do dating and relationships differently in some ways.
But even a boring married woman like me found some stuff in this book which I could immediately put into practice in my relationships.
 Score: 3.5/5
 A Charmed Life – The Spirituality of
Potterworld by Francis Bridger
This is yet another book on the subject of the Harry Potter phenomenon. Unlike most, however, the author comes out in favour of the books in general.
It’s balanced and thoughtful, with plenty of evidence backing up his ideas. Not only does it make a good starting point for discussion on the themes in
the book, it also models a good framework for studying literature generally from a Christian perspective. Although the author is a fan of the books, he is
objective enough to criticise when it’s needed, so although you might not agree with his conclusions, you’ll probably find a lot of stuff to interest you in this book.
 Score: 5/5
 Light From a Dark Star by Wayne Kirkland
This is a truly amazing book about suffering from someone who has personally experienced suffering. It’s thoughtful and intelligent but uncomplicated to read. At the same time, it’s not simplistic or naïve, and
the author doesn’t claim to have all the answers. I read this book when I was on the middle of a lot of difficult stuff in my own life to do with suffering, and it really helped.
I definitely think it’s one of the best books I’ve ever come across on this subject. It would be a good choice to give to someone who has questions or
issues about how God can allow suffering, though obviously if that person is in the middle of major suffering themselves, then what they need is friendship and support rather than answers.
 Score: 4.5/5
 A Closer Look at The Lord of The Rings by Mark Eddy Smith
So you’ve seen the film (which isn’t as good as the book), and maybe you’ve read Lord of The Rings or the Hobbit, and you’ve heard that Tolkien was a Christian,
and you’re wondering how his faith shaped his writing. This book is the answer.
The Lord of the Rings is full of deeply spiritual, inspirational and life affirming ideas, as well as being one of the greatest adventure stories ever written. This
book helps you explore these ideas in a topical way, and apply them in your own life. It is humbly written, and not at all “preachy”, and I found it really enjoyable at
the same time as being challenging and inspiring. It would also make a great starting point for discussion or meditation.
Score: 5/5
Books supplied by
Sunrise Christian Bookshop
Unit 2, Church Walk, Truro TR1 1JH, .
(top of the ramp beside the library)
Tel: 01872 277903
Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday
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