Review of Snatched Up to Heaven!

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
Rushil Varshney
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 30
Joined: 21 Jun 2023, 09:05
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rushil-varshney.html
Latest Review: Sent to Watch by David J. Lebenstein

Review of Snatched Up to Heaven!

Post by Rushil Varshney »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Snatched Up to Heaven!" by Jemima Paul and Arvind Paul.]
Book Cover
3 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Rating: 2/4

"Snatched Up to Heaven" by Jemima Paul is a relatively short but thought-provoking book that explores religious themes, particularly within a Christian context. The book is written in a simple, accessible language, making it suitable for a wide range of readers, including children. This accessibility is one of its strengths, earning it a positive aspect in our rating.

On the other hand, the book should be approached with a discerning eye, as it has the potential to encourage blind belief without promoting critical thinking and understanding. This drawback weighs heavily in our rating.

The central premise of the book is to draw parallels between the superficial aspects of the Bible and the visions experienced by the author's daughters. It vividly describes heaven as a golden palace built on rainbows, populated by beautiful beings, while hell is depicted as a fiery abyss filled with witches and ugly creatures. These descriptions are used to emphasize the contrasting concepts of good and evil, heaven and hell, which are common themes in Christianity. This vivid imagery is another positive aspect, contributing to its rating.

However, this approach may serve as an effective way to introduce religious concepts to children and those new to Christianity, but it also raises concerns. The book's emphasis on these superficial aspects of religious belief without delving into the deeper meanings behind biblical passages and commandments could potentially stifle curiosity and discourage critical thinking. It seems to suggest that unquestioning faith in these descriptions is sufficient, which may not be conducive to a well-rounded spiritual journey. This drawback significantly affects the rating.

Furthermore, the book's brevity, at just over 100 pages, leaves limited room for in-depth exploration of its themes. This brevity might be appealing to some readers seeking a concise introduction to Christian concepts, but it may leave others wanting more depth and nuance. The brevity is a neutral aspect that doesn't strongly affect the rating.

In summary, "Snatched Up to Heaven" offers a unique perspective on religious themes and concepts, but its simplicity and emphasis on superficial aspects of belief may not appeal to all readers. It has the potential to serve as a starting point for discussions about faith and spirituality, especially with younger readers, but it should be complemented with additional resources that encourage critical thinking and deeper understanding of religious texts. Overall, it's a book that may find its place as a tool for introducing Christianity but should be approached with an awareness of its limitations, earning it a 2/4 rating.

******
Snatched Up to Heaven!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
User avatar
ivy morningstar
Posts: 2
Joined: 29 Sep 2023, 23:41
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by ivy morningstar »

I actually kind of liked the book, but agree with your points as well. This book may well be used for preaching christianity at this point
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”