I'm always pleased to read books about youth written by an Australian. Chris Parker's book "The Frog and The Fish" is a book that was recommended to be on a book stall at camp by one of the young people of PYV, so I thought I should have a read.I'm glad I did.
Chris gives hints of his own story through the book. I've learned that he lost his father as a young child, so he understands grief very well. I learned that he was an atheist whose life was changed. Here's how he describes it -
As an adult I came to discover a profound external reference point . . . I turned form the devout atheism of my teenage years, to a belief and trust in the big picture, hope-filled narrative unfolded in the Bible. I found that not only could this story of the world explain and bring meaning to all things - far more than my science-based atheistic storylines could - it also gave me hope, purpose, and a freedom that I didn't have when all I knew was the water in which I swam. (p19)This is a book about culture. More than that, it is a book about the culture we live in and the way it influences us without us even being aware of it. This is the image of the fish - so immersed in water that to ask a fish to explain water is an impossible question.
There are chapters that help readers to ask questions about themselves, the world they live in, and what can be done to make some changes to that world. Then he raises specific issues - sex, consumerism, truth, happiness, and more. I found these chapters to be the most helpful.
It is a reasonably short book - only 132 pages - and is written in such an engaging manner that I was able to read it easily while still finding some phrases that made me stop and think.
If you're looking for a book to give to young people who are trying to find their place in the world, or who are feeling quite despondent about the culture they are living in, this could be the very book they need to help them sort out what is important and what is not.
Chris has also provided more than just a book. If you go to www.thefrogandthefish.com you will have access to a bunch of resources like videos and study guides to help you do more with the book. You can also buy an ebook or audio version if your prefer books that way.
Put it on your bookshelf, read it, and share it around.
