Book Review
The Wide-Awake Princess
by E.D. Baker
Read if you're interested in spiritual growth, or books for child.
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7.5
VerdictRecommended
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Book Summary
This fantasy novel reimagines the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, focusing on Princess Annie, who is immune to the sleeping spell. She embarks on a quest to find a prince who can awaken her enchanted sister, encountering magical creatures and challenges along the way.
What it does well
- — Promotes themes of self-reliance, courage, and proactive problem-solving (Annie doesn't wait for a hero).
- — Emphasizes the importance of family and sisterly love.
- — Features a strong female protagonist who uses her intelligence and resourcefulness.
Watch for
- — While not overtly anti-Christian, the magical elements and reliance on spells/charms may not align with all Christian worldviews, especially for those who see such things as spiritually problematic.
- — The inherent 'magic fixes problems' narrative might subtly de-emphasize reliance on divine providence or prayer, though this is not explicitly contradicted.
- — The focus on a princess needing a prince to 'save' a situation, though subverted, still operates within a fairy tale framework that can sometimes set unrealistic expectations.
Verdict
Christian readers, particularly parents, can enjoy this book while engaging in discussions about the sources of true power and the role of God in our lives, even within fantasy narratives. It's a good story for teaching resourcefulness and love.
ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
“Christian readers, particularly parents, can enjoy this book while engaging in discussions about the sources of true power and the role of God in our lives, even within fantasy narratives. It's a good story for teaching resourcefulness and love.”
Biblical alignment
- —Promotes themes of self-reliance, courage, and proactive problem-solving (Annie doesn't wait for a hero).
- —Emphasizes the importance of family and sisterly love.
- —Features a strong female protagonist who uses her intelligence and resourcefulness.
- —Explores the idea of breaking free from pre-determined destinies and stereotypes.
- —Generally lighthearted and suitable for a younger audience, avoiding overt objectionable content.
Areas of concern
- —While not overtly anti-Christian, the magical elements and reliance on spells/charms may not align with all Christian worldviews, especially for those who see such things as spiritually problematic.
- —The inherent 'magic fixes problems' narrative might subtly de-emphasize reliance on divine providence or prayer, though this is not explicitly contradicted.
- —The focus on a princess needing a prince to 'save' a situation, though subverted, still operates within a fairy tale framework that can sometimes set unrealistic expectations.
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