Two books that discuss the vampire craze

Touched by a Vampire, by Beth Felker Jones, takes a detailed look at Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight books and the movie to discover the themes and subtle  twists on what is good and true.    Discussing the Power of Desire, Dangerous Romance, Abstinence & Sex, Marriage & Children,  the author shares discernment necessary for understanding the current rage with these stories.  The questions at the end of each chapter are meant to be talked about with others. (There’s also a  real-think-about discussion guide at the end of this book that goes through each of the Twilight books.)  I appreciate the way Beth (this author, also pastor’s wife and mother) emphasis that human nature and evil cannot change by our vigorous moral effort, but only by His Grace.  Her helpful introduction of Augustine’s ideas of “love of use” and true “love of enjoyment” remind me of C.S. Lewis’s talk of Need-Love and Gift-Love.

The next book is Escaping the Vampire by Kimberly Powers.  The subtitle, “Desperate for the Immortal Hero,” reveals her approach.  This book is warmly written to girls to help them find the eternal love story they seek. Kimberly Powers helps  girls to see the scenes between Bella & Edward and other characters in the light of Scripture. The short reflective “breathe” questions and thoughts at the end of each chapter lead young women to talk to and know their real heart’s Desire.