A Good Read

The Rebel Christ

by Michael Coren

The starting point for this book by Michael Coren is a question, based on a claim. Why is it that the purist, most supremely liberating, philosophy and theology in all of history is now seen by so many people around the world as an intolerant,legalistic,andevenirrelevant, religion embraced only by the gullible, the foolish, and the judgemental?

Michael writes ‘If that shocks you, so be it. That’s a good and not a bad thing, and the truth is often shocking. I pose this question because it’s real, and it’s proven, and unless Christians admit the problem and struggle to remedy it, matters will only deteriorate.'

Michael Coren is a British Canadian broadcaster, journalist and Anglican priest, and the author of 18 books including biographies of C S Lewis, G K Chesterton, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Tolkien. He retains many links with his native Britain, visiting often and writing for the New Statesman.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a captivating and enchanting Newbery Medalwinning novel. Set in a world of magic and wonder, it tells the story of Luna, a young girl unknowingly filled with powerful magic after being fed moonlight by the good witch Xan. The novel follows Luna, Xan, a wise swamp monster named Glerk, and a tiny, talkative dragon called Fyrian as they navigate the complexities of Luna's magical abilities and unravel the mysteries surrounding their world.

Once the darling of conservative Catholicism and evangelicalism, Coren had what he terms as a profound conversion and began embracing the issues he had previously judged. His outspokenness cost him his lucrative broadcasting career and made him the target of vitriol, but he found freedom in the radical and progressive nature of the gospel and is today its champion. In ‘The Rebel Christ’ he explores what Jesus said about the pressing issues of his and our day. Jesus may not have mentioned sexuality, but welcomed outsiders and the marginalized; he never spoke of social security systems, but did criticise the wealthy and complacent and called for the poor to be protected; he didn’t side with the powerful but did condemn those who judged and exploited others and turned their eyes away from those in need and from the cry for justice. This was Christ the rebel, Christ the radical, who turned the world upside down and demands that his followers do the same today.

Barnhill's lyrical prose and vivid world-building draws readers into the story, and the characters are both endearing and complex. The book is a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and comingof-age, with a touch of darkness that lends depth to the narrative. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of knowledge, providing valuable lessons for both young and adult readers. The plot is intricately woven, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a beautifully written, heart-warming tale that effortlessly blends fantasy and reality. It will captivate readers of all ages, leaving them with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the magic in their own lives.

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