Book Reviews: Touched by a Vampire and Thirsty

Without betraying my age, my first introduction to the world of vampires was the Anne Rice book, The Vampire Lestat. At the time, I thought this was nothing if not entertaining. Then I got into the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television shows – when I still watched television. Again, merely entertaining; though slayers are a bit more fascinating. So, when the whole vampire craze re-emerged with the Stephenie Meyer Twilight Series, I was done with the whole vampire scene. Though knowing a bit about the world of vampires, I can see why this series is a huge hit with the younger folks, especially young women. There is something deliciously alluring about vampires; they are forbidden fruit. Personally, I prefer someone who has a mirror image and a bit of a tan, but that’s just me!

It was a concern about young women being drawn into the story of Bella and Edward. After all, young women are desperately looking for mentors and role models. Then I read Touched by a Vampire: Discovering Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga by Beth Felker Jones. It pulls apart the Twilight Saga and looks at the issues from a Biblical perspective. It was an entrancing read, I couldn’t put the book down.

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 own Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Felker Jones examines whether the story’s redemptive qualities outshine its darkness. Written for Twilight fans, parents, teachers, and pop culture enthusiasts. Touched by a Vampire includes an overview of the Twilight series for those unfamiliar with the storyline and a discussion guide for small groups. An exceptional read.

Another book to tackle this issue from a Christian perspective is the novel Thirsty by Tracey Bateman. It is the story of Nina, a divorcee dealing with temptations of another, though no less darker kind, alcoholism and dark secrets. Bateman weaves an interesting tale, though I must confess I found myself wanting her to conquer and triumph.

The description leaves you gasping for more:

“Unaware of the darkness stalking her, Nina is confronted with a series of events that threaten to unhinge her sobriety. Her daughter wants to spend time with the parents Nina left behind. A terrifying event that has haunted Nina for almost twenty years begins to surface. And an alluring neighbor initiates an unusual friendship with Nina, but is Markus truly a kindred spirit or a man guarding dangerous secrets?

As everything she loves hangs in the balance, will Nina's feeble grasp on her demons be broken, leaving her powerless against the thirst? The battle between redemption and obsession unfold to its startling, unforgettable end.”

So, though I am not into the vampire culture, both Touched by a Vampire and Thirsty are great reads to give you another side of the dark and sinister.

Both books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Delicious reading!
Coach Carolyn