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toritoot's review against another edition
3.0
I don't really like being the sole negative review for a book. Especially when the book has been made with the dual purpose of glorifying God and edifying Christians. 1) It makes my review significantly more noticeable as it can't just fade into the background of all the other reviews. 2) It makes me feel like I'm being mean even I have no mean intentions. But I'm deeply uncomfortable with not being truthful when I feel that something has a serious flaw, and I feel that way about this book.
There's nothing spiritually immoral or biblically inaccurate in this book, which should be any reader's chief concern. This is a very safe book to give someone whom you know is both a believer and a fan of anime, or someone who likes anime but isn't Christian but maybe are Christ-curious. There are a number of different anime's featured among the devotions, which means that there are multiple entry points for Christian anime fans. There's likely an anime featured that you've watched and enjoyed or that falls into a genre that you watch and enjoy. You may even learn about some new anime to check out. There are also multiple contributors to this project, so if you don't connect with some devotions, chances are there will be others that you do connect with.
But as I said at the start of my review, this devotional has a serious flaw that harms the book's overall presentation, that flaw being grammar and sentence structure issues. It's not present in all of the devotions. Some were quite well-written. But others had very obvious errors that I'm surprised were not fixed before sending the book to print. I'm not going to give examples, as I don't want to embarrass anyone, and considering the eBook version is free, I don't want to impose a standard that these authors really aren't required to meet for a free book. (And a book that's free for a really good and honorable reason.) But I purchased a physical copy as I don't read eBooks, and if this were a devotional published by a publisher where part of the intent of publishing it was to make money, I would be disappointed.
I don't want to be dismissive of these authors efforts, and I would certainly never say that the Lord would never use this book to bring others close to Him and teach them about His character. I think He would, and I think He will. I believe the Lord honors those who seek to honor Him, even if it's through a sometimes poorly written book. I'm actually praying the Lord does use this book in someone's life. I just would not recommend this book to most adults due to the quality of the writing (and the admittedly surface-level analysis of anime's and biblical truths in some of the devotionals). I would, however, recommend this for middle graders/early teens who like anime and are Christian. I think this is written at a good level for them. It's very simplistic, often too much so, but I think that's part of what makes it really suitable for a younger reader. Not all of the anime's mentioned are probably appropriate for that age group, so that's something that those thinking about recommending this book to their younger relatives, etc. will want to think about, but I can definitely see a young person enjoying this book.
There's nothing spiritually immoral or biblically inaccurate in this book, which should be any reader's chief concern. This is a very safe book to give someone whom you know is both a believer and a fan of anime, or someone who likes anime but isn't Christian but maybe are Christ-curious. There are a number of different anime's featured among the devotions, which means that there are multiple entry points for Christian anime fans. There's likely an anime featured that you've watched and enjoyed or that falls into a genre that you watch and enjoy. You may even learn about some new anime to check out. There are also multiple contributors to this project, so if you don't connect with some devotions, chances are there will be others that you do connect with.
But as I said at the start of my review, this devotional has a serious flaw that harms the book's overall presentation, that flaw being grammar and sentence structure issues. It's not present in all of the devotions. Some were quite well-written. But others had very obvious errors that I'm surprised were not fixed before sending the book to print. I'm not going to give examples, as I don't want to embarrass anyone, and considering the eBook version is free, I don't want to impose a standard that these authors really aren't required to meet for a free book. (And a book that's free for a really good and honorable reason.) But I purchased a physical copy as I don't read eBooks, and if this were a devotional published by a publisher where part of the intent of publishing it was to make money, I would be disappointed.
I don't want to be dismissive of these authors efforts, and I would certainly never say that the Lord would never use this book to bring others close to Him and teach them about His character. I think He would, and I think He will. I believe the Lord honors those who seek to honor Him, even if it's through a sometimes poorly written book. I'm actually praying the Lord does use this book in someone's life. I just would not recommend this book to most adults due to the quality of the writing (and the admittedly surface-level analysis of anime's and biblical truths in some of the devotionals). I would, however, recommend this for middle graders/early teens who like anime and are Christian. I think this is written at a good level for them. It's very simplistic, often too much so, but I think that's part of what makes it really suitable for a younger reader. Not all of the anime's mentioned are probably appropriate for that age group, so that's something that those thinking about recommending this book to their younger relatives, etc. will want to think about, but I can definitely see a young person enjoying this book.
corky12's review
3.0
Finding God in Anime will not show you the truths of the universe or even uncover deep theology of which everyone else is ignorant. However, it is a fun read to uplift and encourage Christian otaku and weebs in their faith.
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy. See full review at Geeks Under Grace.com
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy. See full review at Geeks Under Grace.com
angelarwatts's review against another edition
I was honored to be a part of this collection of devotionals! I have 3 pieces in this book and each is so, so dear to my heart. Nonfiction is tricky to write but oh, so worth it.
I hope you pick up a copy of this book if you like fast, poignant, encouraging devotionals AND anime/manga!
I hope you pick up a copy of this book if you like fast, poignant, encouraging devotionals AND anime/manga!
bookish_bishop's review against another edition
5.0
First off, how cool is it that you get your devotions done and spend time reminiscing about your favourite manga & anime?? I spent this week and the last reading from FGiA, and it has been a blast…and let me explain why you should be using this devotional as well.
Reason #1: My mum and I have recently reached the conclusion that it’s impossible not to see biblical themes reciprocated in certain manga/anime, starting from Ghibli and extending to AoT, TPN, &c. We often spend time discussing aspects of our favourite manga & anime and tying it into our personal devotions. So, if you don’t have someone like my Mum, you can still have this discussion with FGiA!
Reason #2: As an anthology, FGiA consists of short devotional entries that’s easy to follow and enjoy even if you don’t know the specific story. It’s a great pick-me-up first thing in the morning (even if you slept in) or the go-to for those small snippets of time you might have on hand.
Reason #3: All of the stories featured in FGiA are certified to be clean and God-honouring, even if some of them are darker than the others. It’s a great way to find out more about other manga & anime you were interested in but weren’t sure. I for one was reminded I was really into Yona of the Dawn a few years back and am thinking of giving Naruto Shippuden another read.
And lastly, just a personal side note: I was super hyped Renée Le Vine included Precure. I basically grew up watching Precure since it started and it has a special place in my heart! I also love Nausicaa (esp. the manga), so I was pleasantly surprised it was featured on more than one occasion.
Reason #1: My mum and I have recently reached the conclusion that it’s impossible not to see biblical themes reciprocated in certain manga/anime, starting from Ghibli and extending to AoT, TPN, &c. We often spend time discussing aspects of our favourite manga & anime and tying it into our personal devotions. So, if you don’t have someone like my Mum, you can still have this discussion with FGiA!
Reason #2: As an anthology, FGiA consists of short devotional entries that’s easy to follow and enjoy even if you don’t know the specific story. It’s a great pick-me-up first thing in the morning (even if you slept in) or the go-to for those small snippets of time you might have on hand.
Reason #3: All of the stories featured in FGiA are certified to be clean and God-honouring, even if some of them are darker than the others. It’s a great way to find out more about other manga & anime you were interested in but weren’t sure. I for one was reminded I was really into Yona of the Dawn a few years back and am thinking of giving Naruto Shippuden another read.
And lastly, just a personal side note: I was super hyped Renée Le Vine included Precure. I basically grew up watching Precure since it started and it has a special place in my heart! I also love Nausicaa (esp. the manga), so I was pleasantly surprised it was featured on more than one occasion.
toritoot's review
3.0
I don't really like being the sole negative review for a book. Especially when the book has been made with the dual purpose of glorifying God and edifying Christians. 1) It makes my review significantly more noticeable as it can't just fade into the background of all the other reviews. 2) It makes me feel like I'm being mean even I have no mean intentions. But I'm deeply uncomfortable with not being truthful when I feel that something has a serious flaw, and I feel that way about this book.
There's nothing spiritually immoral or biblically inaccurate in this book, which should be any reader's chief concern. This is a very safe book to give someone whom you know is both a believer and a fan of anime, or someone who likes anime but isn't Christian but maybe are Christ-curious. There are a number of different anime's featured among the devotions, which means that there are multiple entry points for Christian anime fans. There's likely an anime featured that you've watched and enjoyed or that falls into a genre that you watch and enjoy. You may even learn about some new anime to check out. There are also multiple contributors to this project, so if you don't connect with some devotions, chances are there will be others that you do connect with.
But as I said at the start of my review, this devotional has a serious flaw that harms the book's overall presentation, that flaw being grammar and sentence structure issues. It's not present in all of the devotions. Some were quite well-written. But others had very obvious errors that I'm surprised were not fixed before sending the book to print. I'm not going to give examples, as I don't want to embarrass anyone, and considering the eBook version is free, I don't want to impose a standard that these authors really aren't required to meet for a free book. (And a book that's free for a really good and honorable reason.) But I purchased a physical copy as I don't read eBooks, and if this were a devotional published by a publisher where part of the intent of publishing it was to make money, I would be disappointed.
I don't want to be dismissive of these authors efforts, and I would certainly never say that the Lord would never use this book to bring others close to Him and teach them about His character. I think He would, and I think He will. I believe the Lord honors those who seek to honor Him, even if it's through a sometimes poorly written book. I'm actually praying the Lord does use this book in someone's life. I just would not recommend this book to most adults due to the quality of the writing (and the admittedly surface-level analysis of anime's and biblical truths in some of the devotionals). I would, however, recommend this for middle graders/early teens who like anime and are Christian. I think this is written at a good level for them. It's very simplistic, often too much so, but I think that's part of what makes it really suitable for a younger reader. Not all of the anime's mentioned are probably appropriate for that age group, so that's something that those thinking about recommending this book to their younger relatives, etc. will want to think about, but I can definitely see a young person enjoying this book.
There's nothing spiritually immoral or biblically inaccurate in this book, which should be any reader's chief concern. This is a very safe book to give someone whom you know is both a believer and a fan of anime, or someone who likes anime but isn't Christian but maybe are Christ-curious. There are a number of different anime's featured among the devotions, which means that there are multiple entry points for Christian anime fans. There's likely an anime featured that you've watched and enjoyed or that falls into a genre that you watch and enjoy. You may even learn about some new anime to check out. There are also multiple contributors to this project, so if you don't connect with some devotions, chances are there will be others that you do connect with.
But as I said at the start of my review, this devotional has a serious flaw that harms the book's overall presentation, that flaw being grammar and sentence structure issues. It's not present in all of the devotions. Some were quite well-written. But others had very obvious errors that I'm surprised were not fixed before sending the book to print. I'm not going to give examples, as I don't want to embarrass anyone, and considering the eBook version is free, I don't want to impose a standard that these authors really aren't required to meet for a free book. (And a book that's free for a really good and honorable reason.) But I purchased a physical copy as I don't read eBooks, and if this were a devotional published by a publisher where part of the intent of publishing it was to make money, I would be disappointed.
I don't want to be dismissive of these authors efforts, and I would certainly never say that the Lord would never use this book to bring others close to Him and teach them about His character. I think He would, and I think He will. I believe the Lord honors those who seek to honor Him, even if it's through a sometimes poorly written book. I'm actually praying the Lord does use this book in someone's life. I just would not recommend this book to most adults due to the quality of the writing (and the admittedly surface-level analysis of anime's and biblical truths in some of the devotionals). I would, however, recommend this for middle graders/early teens who like anime and are Christian. I think this is written at a good level for them. It's very simplistic, often too much so, but I think that's part of what makes it really suitable for a younger reader. Not all of the anime's mentioned are probably appropriate for that age group, so that's something that those thinking about recommending this book to their younger relatives, etc. will want to think about, but I can definitely see a young person enjoying this book.
nicole_dust's review
4.0
You're probably not supposed to read a devotional in one day, but I did anyways despite my best intentions. XD
I really, really enjoyed this devotional! It's inspiring to me how we can find the Gospel in all sorts of mediums, including anime. I laughed, I cried, I took heart from this collection.
I really, really enjoyed this devotional! It's inspiring to me how we can find the Gospel in all sorts of mediums, including anime. I laughed, I cried, I took heart from this collection.
sunsetvalleycreations's review
I am proud to be a contributing author of this devotional. I wrote three pieces on how "Sailor Moon" grew my faith and encouraged my walk with the Lord. "Finding God in Anime" is a much needed resource to connect with another generation of Otakus growing up in a Christian community that may not understand or may be hostile to their love of anime. I would not be the strong Christian I am today without the encouraging influence of anime and Japanese culture. Though mainstream Asian culture may be lost in idol worship, their focus on putting others before self is something that is very Christian and has always stuck with me. I highly recommend you read this devotional. The other authors are very talented and have done a great job connecting anime themes with Christian faith.
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