John Granger

John Granger examines the great books and authors that shaped the Harry Potter series in this literary analysis of Potter mania. It is a well researched, and well informed look, particularly at the genres and literary techniques J.K. Rowling has utilized to create the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Granger focuses on four levels of meaning within Rowlings text (the surface meaning, the moral meaning, the allegorical meaning, and the anagogical meaning) while examining how Rowling combines the best of the hero's journey, mystery, schoolboy fiction, Gothic fiction, postmodern morality, and Christian fantasy to cast her spell. This made for a fascinating read and really adds more to rereading the series.… (más)

This is an insightful glimpse at the Christian themes, symbols, and biblical parallels that reside within the Harry Potter novels. Granger has a clear thesis and purpose, and he develops this conceit well. I have some minor quibbles about characterization in Order of the Phoenix, and I wish that the theological discussion was a bit more complex. That said, the book appeals well to its audience--conservative Christians who don't read much outside Christian books or the Classics--using language they will understand and consider.… (más)

Millions of children, even Christian children, are reading the mega-selling Harry Potter book series and are exposed to the Harry Potter movies. John Granger, a devout Christian, teacher of classic literature, and father of seven children, first read the Harry Potter books so he could explain to his children why they weren't allowed to read them. After intense study, however, he became convinced that the books are underestimated as literature--and reflect important Christian truths. In Looking for God in Harry Potter, Granger gives parents and teachers a roadmap for using the Harry Potter books to teach Christian truth to children.… (más)