Saturday Christian Fiction Carnival
Question for October 18, 2008
Why do you read and review Christian fiction? Do you exclusively read Christian fiction or do you also read general market books?
The first Christian fiction title I read was France Ellen Harper's Iola Leroy written in 1892. The story was about a black woman whose father was a plantation owner and her mother was one of his slaves. It was about Abolitionism and Social Justice and Black Spiritualism and the rise of fall of Christianity in Black Revolutionist Thought, The women's Club movement. I loved this book. I still own it. I've written essays about it. I fell in love with this idea of stories that not just glorified God, but showed real people dealing with a faith that challenge them during important times in their lives. How do former slaves believe in a God that not only enslaved them, but ripped their souls apart? Even today the best titles are the ones where the characters are sharing an honest conflict where their faith was involved. So of course, I read Christian fiction, because I love reading stories about characters who not only share my faith, but can solve their challenges because of their faith.
I review Christian Fiction for three reasons:
Read Everyone Else's Answer's Here and ParticipateI review Christian Fiction for three reasons:
- I was asked. Eight years ago my pastor launched a gospel radio station and newspaper. I was asked to be the features editor. I admit I was skeptical. My background is in literary fiction and I didn't care for commercial fiction. But I had been introduced to Jacquelin Thomas work with BET's New Spirit imprint and I found a new home in my reader's soul.
- There aren't enough reviewers. There are friend who friends books, but not enough Christian fiction reviewers who can pull the book apart and identify not only the missing parts, but what makes it inspirational.
- African American Commercial Christian Fiction authors came on the scene a decade ago, but still receives very little opportunities for exposure. It has been goal to share those writers with Christian Fiction readers who otherwise wouldn't have. And I am honored that my non African American reader friends, trust me enough to subscribe to CFB and also come to me about book picks and their concerns. I am thankful for the dialogue.
6 comments:
Dee, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your reasons for reading and reviewing Christing fiction! I look forward to reading more of your blogs. I too like to see how a person can move through their life and draw strength through their circumstances by their faith in the Lord.
thanks, kalea. l have enjoyed myself participating in this blog carnival.
That is cool that you can remember the first Christian Book you read. I have no clue who I read first..I do remember reading Frank Peretti because my mom had his books in my late teens but never really gave Christian fiction a second glance till my early twenties.
I love that picture of you...so pretty!
Thanks for playing...great reasons btw!
Shame you're too old for America's Next Top Model.
We appreciate having you review in the genre. One thing I know I can count on is a good sound review that's unbiased.
Blessings,
Rhonda
Rhonda, ha! please. Thanks for the compliment. I was having a good pitcha day. That's all. Glad you find the reviews helpful. You're doing your thank, too!!
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