Wake

Title:  Wake

Author:  Lisa Mann

Publisher :  Simon and Schuster, Inc, 2008

ISBN:  978-1-4169-7447-5

Audience:  Ages 14 – 18.   I would suggest that the target audience is older and more mature teens.  The main characters are teenagers from families that were drastically impacted and changed by traumatic events.  The issues raised in this novel can easily cross all racial and socio-economic lines.

Summary:  Wake is a novel that is centered on the “not-so” normal Janie Hannagan.  Janie is a typical high school junior whose sights are firmly set on attending college.  She works part-time, does well in school and spends time with her friends, as long as they are awake.  Janie avoids anyone who is sleeping because she can, against her will, be pulled into the sleeper’s dream.  While there, she is fully aware of everything that is going on, including experiencing everything the dreamer does.  Outside of the dream, however, her body is paralyzed, blind to anything that is happening around her.  The novel takes us through Janie’s struggles to maintain a normal life when everything around her is anything but normal.  Once she comes to grip with what makes her different, she begins to accept who she is a little more.

Central literary elements at work in the story:  Lisa Mann gives us multiple characters in this novel about whom we want to know more.  We have the most background information on Janie, though even that is incomplete.  We get a small glimpse of eight year old Janie, as she first learns what she can do; however, the major character  development for her is Janie as a teenager who is raising an alcoholic mother.  Through Janie’s relationships, we are introduced to Carrie and Cabel, whose stories are made more interesting by the secrets they are keeping.  Even the more minor characters of Melinda, Mrs. Hannagan and Miss Stubbins all have secrets, but they are secrets that are not fully revealed as the novel ends.  The entire book is written from Janie’s point of view and though it is not written in first-person, it has the feel of a personal narrative.  Written in the style of journal entries, we follow Janie from minute to minute, hour to hour, and day to day.  Even though we receive a few quick glimpses into the past, the bulk of the novel takes place over a period of one and a half years. Seeing the lives of the characters in what easily begins to feel like real-time makes the events of the book realistic and believable, even the most  bizarre elements of the story.

How the book presents gender, race, culture, economic status, age, etc:  Though Mann doesn’t seem to tackle race relations with this book, I think it is because the ethnicity of the characters is irrelevant.  They could really be anyone from anywhere.  Mann does, however, touch, only slightly, on the issues of the elderly, who happen to be Janie’s favorite people to be around because “they don’t sleep soundly”.  We get small glimpses into how a family handles the loss of a child, alcoholism and drug  abuse, division and prejudices that stem from economic difference and how a young  person deals with the possibility of being homosexual.  All of these issues are dealt with on a very surface level, some so slightly you might even miss them.  It almost seems that  any one of these things alone is too heavy to be fully handled alongside the challenge of  entering dreams; when all of them occur, it is impossible to address well.  What does partner well with the main plot of dream travel are the silent issues of emotional, physical and psychological abuse.  I referred to them as silent, because none of them are ever directly mentioned or addressed during the novel, but they all scream off the pages, almost from the very beginning.  They are played out in the actions and dialogue mainly between Janie and Cabel, and though neither of them talks about it (other than a small conversation near the end of the book) both characters wear the scars of their abuse.  The reader is also given this since that they both want to be anyplace other than where they are.

It also strikes me that the responsible authorities throughout this book, parents, teachers, even Janie’s co-workers and employer are largely absent.  They are present in that we hear their voices occasionally, see them in passing even; but they are all emotionally disconnected for the main characters, absent from their lives.  Although the parents are often not the primary focus of teen novels, it speaks loudly that the parents in this novel who are around seem to have checked out on their children.

Theological Conversation Partners:  One good partner for this novel could be Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Janie spends a lot of time trying to isolate herself from people.  However, we see a change in both her and Cabel as they open up to each other, sharing their secrets and relying on one another.  This bond begins to be shared with Mrs. Stubbins and Janie as well.  But that is a story for another book, Fade, which is the sequel to Wake.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. As we enter the dreams with Janie, each dreamer asks Janie for help, regardless of the nature of the dream.  What could be the significance of the dreamer unconsciously asking for help?
2. Once, Janie enters her mother’s dream.  She seems to be aware of this when she wakes and leaves the room.  Why for you think this is?
3. Believing there are no coincidences, Janie enters Carrie and Cabel’s recurring dreams over and over again.  Why is she drawn to these two people and them to her?
4. If God gifted you with the ability to travel into people’s dreams, what might your purpose be?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student LaDonna Harrison.

I Am Number Four

Name of Book:  I Am Number Four

Author:  Pittacus Lore

Publisher: Harper.

ISBN: 978-0061969553

Audience: Ages 14 and up

Summary:  This is a science-fiction story about an alien race’s struggle for survival from an evil enemy.

Literary elements at work in the story: There are elements of love, suspense, action, violence, and faith in this book.  Number 4 is a teenage boy from another planet with developing abilities that far surpass any human. He is caught in a vicious battle that caused the destruction of his planet. Throughout the book he is unaware of what will happen next. The story is not heavy on science fiction, but it does have some other worldly creatures and battles. Number 4 is coming of age in this story and learns to trust his friends and himself.

(How) does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  The main character is from another planet but experiences many things a normal teenager does such as love, being accepted, being unsure of yourself, and bullying. His culture has told him that his race falls in love with someone forever. They would not be tempted by another and once they have made their mind up, they have done so for life. This element of Number 4’s race does play a role in his love life with Sarah. He would do anything to protect her.  Sam is another main character. He is a human who befriends Number 4 (John). He shows a great example of how we are to treat others that are different. He soon finds out the truth about John and accepts him for who he is.

Theological conversation partners:  Hebrews 12:1-2.  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”   Number 4 is surrounded by those who have given their lives so he could live. This includes all the people from his home planet, as well as his mentor Henri.  He is called to continue to run the race that is set before him to save his people from annihilation. Our race is a little different, but none the easier. We are called to keep the faith, remembering those who have influenced us and guided us. Our job is not easy because, like Number 4, the end is not always clear cut. We must keep our faith in the risen Lord throughout our trials and doubts.

Faith Talk Questions

1. What are some things you doubt about yourself?

2. Have you ever felt out of place?

3.  Tell of a time you have felt like you were meant for something great.

4. Have you ever lost someone close before? How does Number 4 deal with Henri’s death?

5.  What would you do if you were from another planet and you began developing legacies?

6. Have you ever moved before? How did you feel in a new environment and new school?

7. How could you befriend someone new at your school?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Russ Pearson.

The Host

Name of Book: The Host

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Illustrator: none

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

ISBN: 9780316068048

Audience: 15 and up.  Young adult readers will enjoy the challenge of what is considered to be an adult novel.  Although intended for adults, the reading level, word usage, and content mostly attracts an adolescent audience.

Summary: Melanie is a 20-year-old human who has been living on the run. She is eventually captured and her body becomes a “host” by a soul known as Wanderer. She grows to love and care for Wanderer. Wanda, the nickname given to Wanderer, is naturally inclined to do good and is disgusted by violence. She feels guilty about the unrest her presence causes amongst Melanie’s loved ones, and throughout the book she puts others before herself and eventually puts Melanie first – again.

Literary elements at work in the story: Science Fiction/Fantasy.  The Host is engaging and well written. The characters are likeable and the symbolism offers clear descriptions about life as a human.  It is an excellent fantasy novel for those who normally do not like to read science fiction.

Theme: What is it to be human? The blessings of human existence, the value of the soul and faith in the world.

Perspective: The Host has a first-person perspective – from the point of view of an alien soul named “Wanderer.”

Theology: This story allows the reader to revisit creativity and watch it continue. With the contrast of beautiful, overlapping human emotions and the atrocities we are capable of, The Host describes humanity very well. “This place was truly the highest and the lowest of all worlds,” Wanderer reflects. It has “the most beautiful senses, the most exquisite emotions . . . the most malevolent desires, the darkest deeds. Perhaps it was meant to be so. Perhaps without the lows, the highs could not be reached.” Such descriptions of human life can bring critical thinking and contemplation to persons of faith. Just like us, Wanderer, or “Wanda” comes to realize all that makes up harmonious life. While conscious of all the blessings in the world, readers can relate, as we too are aware of the war, pain, disease, and horror that come with human existence. When we experience illumination there is also darkness, all that is good is challenged by evil, and joys are often met with sorrows.

Apocalyptic undertones are mentioned through the characters of Jeb and Maggie. These dedicated “survivors” choose to live separately from the rest of civilization as they wait for disaster. As youth and adults sometimes feel anxious about the “end times,” a discussion about these characters and the disaster they expect can be compared and contrasted to the prophesies of tribulation that can be found throughout the Bible,

Scripture: In the Book of Hebrews Paul wrote the congregation in Jerusalem just before the prophecies in Matthew 24 were fulfilled with the Temple being defiled and the city overthrown. He had known pain and suffering, and he tried to prepare the people for what was coming. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you …”(Hebrews 12:11,12,15)

The blessings of present life are often taken for granted. It is unfortunate that so many are blind to what comes after existence in the physical world. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. (Revelation 3:17-19; NIV)

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What real-life example(s) can you share about the contrast between light and dark, good and evil, joy and sorrow? What Biblical example(s) do you know of?
2. Why should you not be anxious or fearful of “end of time” predictions?
3. Why are we so blessed when others must suffer?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Gina Craft.

Into the Wild

Name of Book:  Into the Wild

Author:  Jon Krakauer

Illustrator:  None

Publisher:  Anchor

ISBN: 978-0307387172

Audience:  Although this is written for adults, I think this book could be used effectively with high school age adolescents through young adults.

Summary:  In 1992 Christopher McCandless graduated from Emory University, gave his $25,000 savings account to charity, burned all his money and identification, gave away the vast majority of his possessions, and eventually abandoned his car. Why? To begin an almost 2 year journey, hitchhiking around America, to “find himself”. Eventually he arrives at his destination, the wilderness of Alaska, where he finds an abandoned transit bus turned hunting “lodge”. McCandless lives here until he eventually dies of starvation, due to accidentally poisoning himself with berries. The book is written using Christopher’s diaries, letters, and notes found with the body, as well as from interviews with family members and friends McCandless made during his trek to self-discovery.

Literary elements at work in the story:  The book takes place during 1990-1992, and follows the two year ordeal of the main character, Christopher McCandless. This book could be categorized in several different ways. First, I think it can be called a partial biography since it deals mainly with the two year time period that Christopher spent wandering and hitchhiking trying to make it to the Alaska wilderness. There are occasional flashbacks to McCandless’ childhood and adolescence, but these are merely to flesh out a point or explain part of his rationale for this trek. Second, in my opinion, this book could be considered  an autobiography or memoir of the main character Christopher McCandless since it is written mainly from his own diaries, letters and notes. Finally, it is also, in a sense, a memoir of the author, Jon Krakauer. Throughout the book he draws parallels between his life – his own rebelliousness, his own struggles with his parents, his loss of faith in mankind, God and society, and his extreme efforts to find his “place” – and the life of Christopher McCandless. The point of view alternates between the author and McCandless which makes the story a little less fluid, and occasionally a little difficult to follow. The other characters in the book seem to help McCandless “find” a part of himself that he is looking for. The book is written in a very realistic and gritty style that allows you to feel the physical hardships and highpoints he endures. It is a beautifully written book that at the same time allows to you feel Christopher’s desperate desire to know who he is and to achieve his goal, and his elation and peace when he finally achieves his goal and “finds what he is looking for”.

(How) does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  Economics seem to play a role in the events that unfold in the book. Christopher is disenchanted with the life his parents lead and expect him to lead, a life of privilege and overconsumption. Part of his quest for self is a quest for a simpler more authentic way of life. However, McCandless takes his quest for economic justice and a simpler life to an extreme.

Theological conversation partners: As Christians we believe that we are in a constant relationship with God. We believe that God is present and active in our life at all times. We also believe that it is in that relationship with God that truly discover who we are and grow into the person God intends for us to be. We also believe that we are called into action to strive for social justice and equality for all. McCandless states that he’s not sure that God exists but there is something more out there. Instead of looking for answers within the context of God as that higher power he runs away from God. Also, in his attempt to find social justice for the poor and disenfranchised he runs away from society instead of working to find a way to bring about change.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Why do you think people turn away from God?
2. How can faith and a relationship with God help someone to “find themselves”?
3. What does it mean to work for social justice?
4.  How can we do this in this day and age?
5.  How does our faith help us to work for social justice?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Shasta Brown.

Catcher Caught

Name of Book:   Catcher Caught

Author:   Sarah Collins Honenberger

Illustrator:   None

Publisher:   Amazon Encore

Audience:   High School and adult (age 15+)

Summary:   Daniel, a high school student, has been diagnosed with a virulent form of leukemia.  Even with chemotherapy, his doctors estimate he has only one year to live.  But his overprotective parents don’t trust doctors and pull him out of school to treat him with alternative remedies.  While Daniel sympathizes with his parents’ grief and helplessness over his disease, he begins to question people’s intentions and authority.  He has read Catcher in the Rye and is inspired by Holden Caulfield’s questioning of authority.  While searching for identity in the face of death, Daniel also deals with normal teenage issues (Does the new girl in town like him?  How can he keep her interest when she is in school and surrounded by other guys who are interested in her?).  As Daniel struggles to gain some control over his life and death, he takes a cue from Holden and runs off to New York City.

Literary Elements at work in the story: This book is told in first person point of view.  It addresses questions that have no easy answers.  Should Daniel have a say in his own life and the treatment he receives?  What exactly is a minor’s right to receive treatment?  What if the minor’s choice goes against his/her parents’ wishes?  How far along the line of the rights of minors are you willing to go?  How do your actions affect others, even if you are dying?  The author has Daniel make frequent allusions to Catcher in the Rye.  However, adequate explanations smooth the way for readers who have not read Salinger’s classic (or have not read it in a long time!) so that the thread of the story is not lost.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability:  While gender, race, culture, economic status, and ability are not factors in this book, the author does present a perspective on age.  Because Daniel is 15, he is not consulted about the treatment of his leukemia.  He is not consulted about a trip to Mexico where he undergoes an alternative medicine approach.  He and his younger brother Nick make a macabre joke of the name of the herbalist from whom their mother seeks advice; the boys refer to her as Miss T. Undertaker.  Finally realizing that the alternative medicine route is not working, Daniel takes matters into his own hands and runs away to New York City (ala Holden Caulfield) to ask for chemotherapy.  Reference is made to legislation permitting minors age 13 and older who are fully informed about their choices to have a voice in the treatment of their disease.

Scripture:  Exodus 20:12; Psalm 88:13; Psalm 121; Hebrews 2:14-15;

Theology:  Responsibility,Facing death/dying, Healing , Family

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Daniel wonders:  “Why do grown-ups always think what kids feel is fluff and can’t possibly be significant?” (p. 21) How would you answer him?
2. To what extent should a teenager have a voice in the course of treatment sought/followed when the teenager has a serious illness?  Explain your opinion.  What might prevent or encourage the seriously ill teenager to speak up regarding a course of treatment?  If there is disagreement, how much weight should be given to the opinions of the parents, the seriously ill teenager, and the doctors?
3. How will the enjoyment and understanding of this book be affected if the reader has not first read Catcher in the Rye?
4. Why does Daniel admire Holden Caulfield?  What fictional characters do you admire?  Why? How has the admired character affected your actions or beliefs?  For example, the three-year-old who jumps off the roof so that he can fly like Superman.  (For adults) How have the admired fictional characters changed over the course of your life?
5. How do Nick and Meredith act as lifelines for Daniel?
6. Daniel says “If they (his parents) act normal at least part of the time, it takes a lot of pressure off me.”  What does he mean?  How can parents “act normal” in the face of a seriously ill/dying child?
7. Daniel’s family is not conventionally religious.  From what sources do they draw strength?  From what sources do you draw strength in times of crisis?
8. What is “family”?  How does Daniel’s definition of family change over the course of this book?
9. Other discussion questions appear at the end of this book.

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Mary Anne Welch

A Gathering of Angels

Name of Book:  A Gathering of Angels

Author:  Peter Eyvindson

Illustrator:  Walnes Cangas, Julner Remy, Lucson Petit-Homme

Publisher:  Broken Wings Missions, Inc.

Audience:  Ages 8 and up

Summary:  A Gathering of Angels is a collection of prayers written by the boys who call the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys in Port au Prince, Haiti home. Each boy at the home takes turns leading morning and afternoon prayers in the home’s chapel services. This book serves as a collection of some of those prayers written by boys ranging in ages from nine to 25.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This collection of prayers represents the first person points of view of each author as he speaks to God. The book is written by orphaned children in a children’s home in Haiti, and their worship and prayer life serve as the setting for their writings. There are no themes to the prayers, rather the overarching theme to the book is a life of prayer and worship to God.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability make a difference to the story?  Readers are introduced on the surface through the prayers to the culture of children’s home life in Haiti. The authors are all male and of African descent. The illustrations bring to life the prayers and give a more in-depth understanding of culture and socio-economic life in Haiti. While the book does not reference children of limited abilities, further research on the St. Joseph’s Family Homes will reveal a home specifically for mentally and physically challenged orphaned children, both boys and girls.

Scripture:  Romans 12:9-18

Theology:  We are called and gathered by God into one body, family or community called the Church of Jesus Christ. God creates the church and we live as part of it, in loving relationship with God and with each other. In response to this calling by God, we are to use our God-given gifts and abilities to feed, nurture and shape the way that we live our lives of faith each and every day. In doing so, we are carrying out the mission of God for the church in the world.

Faith Talk Questions

1. Have you ever written a prayer and shared it with other people before?
2. When you talk to God in prayer, what do you say?
3. Do you know anyone who lives in a children’s home?
4. Do you think you could pray thanks to God if you lived in a children’s home?
5. Do you know someone from another country? Do they pray to the same God you pray to?
6. What is your favorite prayer from this book? Why?
7. Will you write a prayer and share it with someone today?
8. How do you share your faith with other people? Through prayer? Artwork? Church? How?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Katie Todd

Catching Fire

Name of Book:  Catching Fire

Author:  Suzanne Collins

Book Design:  Elizabeth Parisi

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Audience:  Ages 12 and up

Summary:  The second in a trilogy of science fiction stories, Catching Fire is written for adolescent youth and older due to graphic and violent content.

Katniss and Peeta were victors of the 74^th Hunger Games. As victors of the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are required to tour all of Panem’s districts in order to personally reveal the victors to each district.  President Snow has tasked Katniss with the job of relieving tensions in the districts that have ensued after they witnessed Katniss and Peeta’s very blatant defiance of the Capital during the Hunger Games.  At each district stop the tensions continue to rise regardless of Katniss’s best efforts.

After the district tours, as they return to a life of luxury, they soon realize that it will not last for long.  In an attempt to squelch the rebellious thought that are engulfing the district, President Snow announces that the next Hunger Games will require former victors to play the games again.  As training begins for the Hunger Games it becomes clear that their mentor Haymitch is scheming to have Katniss and Peeta ally with other districts’ victors.  Throughout the games things seem strange to Katniss and Peeta. Eventually with the help of Beetee, another past victor, Katniss destroys the arena.  The next thing Katniss knows she is on a hospital bed and believes she is in the hands of the Capital. Ready to attempt an escape, she ends up in a room where she realizes that she is safe with her mentor, Haymitch and another victor, Finnick.  Katniss realizes that she has been a pawn in the hands of the rebel forces trying to build an uprising against the Capital.  As the book ends, Katniss becomes aware that there is a District 13 and that District 12 is destroyed.

Note: While the series has no Christian references at all, there are a number of routes one can take in discussing Christian faith with teenage readers. Parents are strongly encouraged to read this book either before their children or alongside their children and engage in regular faith-based discussions.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This is a science fiction dystopia of revenge imposed by the country leadership onto the individual districts. It is told from the first person point of view of Katniss, a 16 year old tribute to the Games. It is her story of rebellion with, and fear of, the Capital. Katniss is portrayed as the protector in this book. The setting takes place in District 12, on the train bound for the other districts, as well as in the Capital and in the games arena.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability make a difference to the story?  Although victors are seen as wealthy in the eyes of their districts, no amount of wealth can keep them from the requirement of taking part in the Hunger Games. The Capital still flexes powerful oppression over the citizens of Panem, leaving no one exempt, especially when the Capital is tricked or threatened.

Scripture:  John 3:16-21

Theology:  As humans we fall short of the glory of God, but we are still loved and desired by God. We have turned away from God, and each other, in search of our own personal and societal gains. As sinners, we have gone against “the way it’s supposed to be.” We are unable to turn ourselves back toward God and unable to make our relationship with God and one another right. Through God’s mercy and abundant love, we are made right with God and others through Jesus Christ, the light in our darkness.

Faith Talk Questions

1. Why are the second Hunger Games so much more difficult for Katniss?
2. Why are the Capitol citizens upset to learn that former victors will be tributes again?
3. Which characters in this book value human life?
4. What does God teach us about the value of a human life?
5. When we acknowledge the humanity of someone, how does that change the way we treat them as a person?
6. Katniss and Peeta find it hard to trust others.  Do you ever find it hard to trust?
7. How do you think God would react to the Capitol’s treatment of the citizens of Panem?
8. How do you think God would react to Katniss and Peeta’s behavior as they try and survive?
9. Is it ever okay to lie about relationships and family dynamics to help save a life?
10. As a Christian, how would you handle being in a situation like Katniss and Peeta, fighting for your life? What if your family were at stake?
11. Who was the light in the darkness for Katniss and Peeta? Who is the light in your darkness?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Katie Todd

The Hunger Games

Name of Book:  The Hunger Games

Author:  Suzanne Collins

Book Design:  Phil Falco

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Audience:  Ages 12 and up

Summary:  The first in a trilogy of science fiction stories, The Hunger Games is written for adolescent youth and older due to graphic and violent content.

Katniss Everdeen is a 16 year old girl who has taken her sister’s place in a fight-to-the-death tournament required by the nation of Panem every year. She is one of 24 contestants from the country, and one of two from her district that must participate in these Olympic-style games until a victor emerges alive. She and Peeta, the two chosen from District 12 are taken as tributes to participate as a vengeance for the districts having revolted against the capital many years prior. The games are designed as purely entertainment for the President and Capital residents.

During the story Katniss and Peeta must form an alliance and work to keep one another alive only to have to face the reality of someone needing to die in order for the other to live. In pre-games preparation, Peeta declares his love for Katniss as a way to protect her and keep her alive in the games. In the end, his scheming allows the two of them to be saved from death as dual victors, only to then begin a victory tour being paraded around the country after the games have ended. Unbeknownst to her, Katniss becomes the token for revolution for the country against the Capital, which will carry over into the other books in the series.

Note: While the series has no Christian references at all, there are a number of routes one can take in discussing Christian faith with teenage readers. Parents are strongly encouraged to read this book either before their children or alongside their children and engage in regular faith-based discussions.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This is a science fiction dystopia of revenge imposed by the country leadership onto the individual districts. It is told from the first person point of view of Katniss, a 16 year old tribute to the Games. It is her story of survival in not just the games, but in everyday life as a citizen of the poorest district in Panem. Katniss is portrayed as a survivor, as is her friend Gale, while many of the other child characters, including her sister (and even her mom) are portrayed as weak and needy. The setting takes place in District 12, as well as in the Capital and in the games arena.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability make a difference to the story?  Readers receive unique views on cultures as each district has its own way of life, all of which are completely different from the culture of the Capital. In each district there are more well-off citizens and the poverty stricken citizens. In the Capital, there is no poverty and hardly anyone has to work in something they don’t want to do for a job. The districts are designed to each generate a unique supply that will then be given to the other districts in limited amount and to the Capital in great quantities. Given the nature of the games, the strongest and most wily competitors are generally the victors at which time they are lavished with fame and fortune. There appears to be no tolerance for the weak, the poor, or the disabled in the eyes of the Capital, and thus the district citizens trying to merely survive.

Scripture:  Galatians 3:1-5; Romans 12:1-2

Theology:  As humans we fall short of the glory of God, but we are still loved and desired by God. We have turned away from God, and each other, in search of our own personal and societal gains. As sinners, we have gone against “the way it’s supposed to be.” We are unable to turn ourselves back toward God and unable to make our relationship with God and one another right.

Faith Talk Questions

1. How does Katniss feel when she owes someone something?
2. Have you ever been given a gift by someone that you know you can’t repay?
3. Katniss is not sure if she can trust Peeta at first. Have you ever not been able to trust someone close to you? How did you learn you could trust them?
4. How can we trust God when we don’t physically see or feel God?
5. Are there any characters in the book that value human life?
6. What does God teach us about the value of a human life?
7. Katniss realizes that she is unworthy of Peeta’s love and devotion. Do you ever feel unworthy of someone’s love and devotion? How do you try and show your love to them?
8. How do you think God would react to the Capital’s treatment of the citizens of Panem?
9. How do you think God would react to Katniss and Peeta’s behavior as they try and survive?
10. As a Christian, what advice would you give to Katniss and Peeta before they enter the games arena?
11. Does this story have a happy ending?  If so, what is it?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Katie Todd

How to (un)Cage a Girl

Name of Book:   How to (Un)Cage a Girl

Author:  Francesca Lia Block

Publisher:  Joanna Cotler Books/HarperTeen (2008)

Audience:  16 – adult females.  Personally, I would have placed this book in the adult poetry section rather than YA, since it pushes beyond the personal experiences of YA readers.  That being said, it would be useful with intergenerational groups of women. I would limit discussion to small group settings.

Summary:   This is a collection of poems, written primarily in free verse, that are meant to be read sequentially.  The majority of her poems reflect events or periods in “her” life starting at age thirteen.  Several poems, however, are written to or about some of the young women whom she has mentored and/or befriended during her career.  The poems are often beautifully but brutally honest, which is perhaps because they are the reflections on the past from the perspective of an adult woman.  This gives a different quality and depth to the poems that is sometimes absent from poetry written during adolescence.  Her first section of poems, on early adolescence, are difficult in the sense that they reflect sexual experiences, illness, and death of a parent in a fairly relentless sequence of painful recollections.  The poems written to reflect her adulthood carry themes which move beyond an adolescent’s personal experience (such as having children and divorce).

Literary elements at work in the story:  This is a semi-autobiographical collection of poetic works primarily in free-verse.  It is written as a sequential work in three parts: 1) years at the asylum, 2) in the lair of the toxic blonde, and 3) love poems for girls.  The language is colloquial but creative and often intense. The absence of punctuation (except for question marks) and the all lower case typeface give a stream of consciousness feel to the poems and allow for the reader to punctuate the work as it suits them (i.e., starting and stopping a phrase or verse in different places that produces different meaning).  The mood of the poems moves generally from dark to light as the poet works through much of the pain of early adolescence and finds a kind of peace and healing as an adult woman.  Illustrations are absent, but would probably be more limiting than instructive in interpreting these poems, which ask the reader to come into her broken world and imagine it for themselves.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/abilities:    The strongest perspective seems to come from her love/hate relationship with the people and culture of Los Angeles.  Her “girl” sees herself as “other” in this city of beauty and glamour (see, particularly Part II, “Lair of the Toxic Blonde”).  She stands for the non-traditional girl who rebels against the stereotypes of feminine beauty (at least in L.A.).   Race and economics play much lesser roles in her poems.

Scripture:   I would use this book of poetry to work with the theme of women in the Bible and let the group choose the passages they would like to discuss.  I would offer the book of Ruth and the book of Esther as possible starting points, but certainly would not limit it to those two. Other possibilities that may be less well known and cover a range of characteristics are Jephthah’s daughter (Judges 11-13), The woman of the Song of Solomon, the daughter of Herodias (Mark 6: 14-29), Mary & Martha (Luke 10: 38-42), Deborah & Jael (Judges 4), Hagar (Genesis 16, 21, & 25) and  the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7: 24-30).

Theology:  Women’s stories are not absent from the Bible but they do sometimes require some imagination to fill in the gaps.  Women are presented in so many ways, both positive and negative: we see both the connivance of Jezebel and the obedience of Mary.  We see women of advanced years (Sarah) and young girls (Jephthah’s daughter); women in various positions in society and with various expectations of their roles in that society (Vashti, Esther, Ruth). By using this poetic work that follows a woman’s life through adolescence to middle adulthood, an intergenerational group of women could discuss how they believe they fit into society and the church, and how they view themselves as both daughters of God and members of the larger culture.  Women as women, with the whole spectrum of human emotions (desires, anger, grief, bitterness, love, etc.) are as much a part of the Biblical story as men.   By allowing the group to survey the breadth of stories of women in the Bible they may gain a better appreciation for their contribution to the meta-narrative that comprises our canon.  Also, by identifying women of the Bible who themselves were “un-caged” when God’s promises were claimed and when Jesus’ message was proclaimed allows us to place them squarely within God’s story and allows us to see ourselves as part of the on-going narrative as well.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Which woman (or women) from the Bible stories you selected do you most identify with at this stage in your life?  Can you remember a time in your life when you most strongly related to another biblical woman?
2. Do you see any correlation between Block’s poems and the Biblical stories?  For you, does Block’s “girl” relate to more than one woman from the Bible as she grows older?
3. What does it mean to be a woman in today’s (U.S.) culture?  How is this portrayed in the poems?
4. What does it mean to be a daughter of God in today’s culture?  In the Biblical culture? Is there a difference between how you answered this question and the previous one?  Why do you think that is so?
5. What is the strongest message from Block’s poems for you?  Is there one in particular that resonates with you?  Is there one particular passage from the Biblical stories that resonates with you in the same way?

Review prepared by Nadine Ellsworth-Moran, MDiv/MACE, Entering Cohort Fall 2004

Ysabel

Name of Book: Ysabel

Author:  Guy Gavriel Kay

Illustrator :  Larry Rostant (cover art)

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Audience:   Adolescents – Adults

Summary:     Fifteen year old Canadian, Ned Marriner, “blunders into a corner of a very old story” of Celtic and Roman histories and mythologies.  In an ancient place, where the borders between the living and the long-dead are thin, Ned and his family are drawn into a haunted tale, as mythic figures from conflicts of long ago erupt into the present, changing – and claiming – lives.

Literary elements at work in the story:  A contemporary fantasy novel set in Aix-en-Provence, France.  A large cast of protagonists (Ned, his new friend Kate, Ned’s parents, Ned’s aunt and uncle, and his father’s three assistants) are consistently believable.  Kay continues his writing style of laying a fantasy science fiction story over a real historic period.…this time the story of the Roman usurpation of Celtic lands from 2,500 years ago in what would become France.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability:  This is an intriguing tale of different cultures separated by thousands of years.  One, the culture of a contemporary teenage Canadian boy traveling with his dad on assignment to the south of France juxtaposed against the superstitious world of Celts and Romans from a time before the birth of Christ.  Lots of “good guys”; male, female, young, old.

Theology:  This book can be used to help adolescents understand the concept of salvation by grace in discussing such topics as undeserved gifts and right relationships.  It also shows people – young and old – answering the call to love, help and forgive one another.

Further, a connection can be made between this story and the Bible…an ancient writing with characters of long ago that “erupt” into the present, changing – and claiming – lives in a way that is unique to our faith.  This could perhaps be a very interesting topic of conversation with young adults.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What gift did Ned discover that he had in this story?  What unexpected gifts have you discovered in yourself?  How can you use these gifts to glorify God?
2. Why were Ned’s mother and aunt in conflict during the story?  How was their broken relationship mended?  Have you ever experienced a serious disagreement with someone you cared for?  What happened to resolve the situation?

1. Why did Ned get involved even though he was warned to say out of it for his own safety’s sake?  In what ways do you see the characters in this story learning to rely on and trust one another?
2. In the final scene with Ysabel, Ned is given another gift…that of understanding his role in the age-old story.  Do you think he earned this gift or was it sheer grace that allowed him this resolution?  Are there times in your life when you received an undeserved gift?  How do you think God was involved in that?

Review prepared by Kelly Hames, MACE, Entering Cohort Fall 2008.