Keeping Holiday

On vacation (or holiday, for the UKers out there), I read Starr Meade's latest book, Keeping Holiday. It's a delightful story that parents can read to kids, or that older children can read by themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and marveled at the way Starr Meade was able to combine an imaginative story with God-centered theology. While reading it I kept thinking that, genre-wise, it was a cross between Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. In posting this, I see that R.C. Sproul (himself very gifted at theologically informed imaginative stories for children) makes the same connection:

"I love it. In reading Keeping Holiday, I was reminded of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. It is delightful reading that pulls you into the adventures of Dylan and Clare and tells the story of God's work in the lives of those who are called according to his purpose. Children from 8 to 78 will be captivated by this spellbinding story."

- R. C. Sproul

"There is more to Holiday than meets the eye and more to this book than a story that will doubtless enthrall young readers. In the spirit of C. S. Lewis, Starr Meade leads us—and our children—to Christ through the wonderful medium of imagination."
- Michael Horton

"This charming story should be repeatedly read and savored. It has the enduring and endearing quality of a good story—it lingers. It causes one to ponder gospel truth and to celebrate the Holy One of Holiday."
- Susan Hunt

"Read Keeping Holiday if you're weary of it being 'always winter and never Christmas.' Told with skill, imagination, and theologically informed conviction, Starr Meade's latest book will delight readers longing to abandon the frigid wasteland of winter for the enduring joy and splendor of Holiday."
- Douglas Bond

I should also mention that I read this book just for myself (my kids are too young for it)--so it's well worth reading even for adults. Susan Hunt is exactly right: the story lingers. If you're like me, the repeated refrain of the book will continue ringing in your head: "You can't find the Founder; he finds you./He's not just the Founder, he's the Finder too."