Book Review: How Harry Cast His Spell, by John Granger

A Useful Tool to Solve "The Harry Potter Dilemma"

One of the most discussed and criticized books/book series in the realm of Christianity is the Harry Potter series. Many reject the series due to the witchcraft present, while others accept the series because of its redeeming qualities. John Granger (no relation to Hermione), in what is now the third edition of his book analyzing the Harry Potter series, does not make judgments for the reader. Rather, he presents the facts that he has found on both fronts and allows the reader to make the call for himself.

This book is split into two halves. The first half is an analysis of the series as a whole. Granger in this section looks at things in series like magic, prejudice, identity, even down to the names that Rowling uses. In the second half, Granger looks at each book specifically, with a chapter each on The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and three chapters on the final book, The Deathly Hallows. Each of these chapters presents a special analysis of a particular aspect of the book in question that can help the reader understand the story better.

One choice that I will have to make as a future pastor/youth pastor is how I will deal with what I will refer to for a long time as "The Harry Potter Dilemma." No matter where I go there will be people on both sides of the argument. I will have to be respectful of all. I have not landed on one side of the argument or the other yet. But this book will help me make a good, strong, reasoned decision. For these reasons, I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Harry-Cast-His-Spell/dp/1414321880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517944934&sr=8-1&keywords=how+harry+cast+his+spell

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Granger, John: How Harry Cast His Spell: The Meaning Behind the Mania for J.K. Rowling's Bestselling Books. Carol Stream, IL: SaltRiver, 2008.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Tyndale Rewards program. It is my policy to give an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

TYNDALE REWARDS PROGRAM:

https://myreaderrewardsclub.com/