I've heard great things about Smekday, but when I've tried to get teens in my library to read it, few have wanted to. Cover art? Title that doesn't immediately make sense? I dunno. I need to read it so I can do a better job in talking it up.
I think SMEKDAY is more naturally appealing to 9-12 year olds than teens -- although I'd like to think that an open-minded teen who wasn't on his/her dignity about ONLY reading "grown-up" seeming books would love it too if s/he gave it a chance.
I admit the title didn't grab me at first, nor would the cover have if I hadn't heard enough about the book to be charmed by its premise and curious about how the author would pull it off. So yeah, I'd recommend reading it yourself and then you'll know better how to talk it up.
The demons in this book are powerful creatures from another world or plane of existence who long to break through into our reality -- but who can only do so by taking possession of a human body (which is extremely unpleasant for the human involved and tends to result in them dying very soon afterward).
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
I see a connection between "steal and kill and destroy" and "possession" and "dying very soon afterward." I'm curious to know why you don't?
(FYI: I read only about half the book but was, sadly, spoiled by the "world-ending spoilers" on the author's blog because RSS readers don't show cut tags or the labels on them, just what's inside them.)
I looked it up to be sure -- John 10:10 is not referring to demons or Satan, but contrasting Christ as the Good Shepherd with the false teachers who came before him. So while I wouldn't deny that demons in the Bible are dangerous and destructive, I don't think that verse is a good description of how they operate
( ... )
You have nothing to be sorry for about the twist. It wasn't your fault at all. I normally don't even mind spoilers that much but that was a crucial one...
Good point on context. I don't pay nearly enough attention to it. However, I'd say the crucial distinction you're making is not false teachers versus demons (they both try to lead people away from God, though perhaps for different reasons) but their goal as opposed to the (nominal) goal of SRB's demons (emigration).
I will have to think on it some more. In the meantime, thank you for your thoughtful response.
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I admit the title didn't grab me at first, nor would the cover have if I hadn't heard enough about the book to be charmed by its premise and curious about how the author would pull it off. So yeah, I'd recommend reading it yourself and then you'll know better how to talk it up.
Reply
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"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
I see a connection between "steal and kill and destroy" and "possession" and "dying very soon afterward." I'm curious to know why you don't?
(FYI: I read only about half the book but was, sadly, spoiled by the "world-ending spoilers" on the author's blog because RSS readers don't show cut tags or the labels on them, just what's inside them.)
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Good point on context. I don't pay nearly enough attention to it. However, I'd say the crucial distinction you're making is not false teachers versus demons (they both try to lead people away from God, though perhaps for different reasons) but their goal as opposed to the (nominal) goal of SRB's demons (emigration).
I will have to think on it some more. In the meantime, thank you for your thoughtful response.
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