Back when I suddenly became inspired for my MA dissertation topic by reading some of the fascinating takes on His dark materials I didn't realise that one of my friends on the course had actually headed in a similar direction and chosen to critique A closer look at Harry Potter. An ironic coincidence perhaps that we should both come across Christian perspectives on current controversial novels and draw our inspiration from them. I never got to read her dissertation, sadly, so I don't know what she made of this book.

I remember being jealous at the time because she found a whole book to critique while I was madly scrabbling for articles, because noone had conveniently put their thoughts together into a book on Pullman. As it turned out, examining a series of articles from different perspectives was much more interesting in the end. But I didn't know that in my first panic about "what should I do?"

I was therefore really pleased when I ended up with this book as a Christmas present a few years later (I think??) Reading this has taken me back to 2003, to a time of wading through a maze of words in search of the ideas being expressed in them. Forcing myself back to the present, the first thing I noticed was that I couldn't see a whole lot of evidence of Harry Potter in the book, despite the title. Harry was almost a secondary consideration. The book seemed to be mostly a "closer look" at the author's own opinions about the world. What most strongly impressed me was the author's ability, apparently, to know that so many people are wrong (Christians and non-Christians alike) but that he is comfortably right! I was also interested that he felt that not only children, but also adults have a responsibility to continue shaping their minds like a beautiful plant - everyone should be careful what they read because everything indelibly shapes who we are and become.

Actually, he gave me some food for thought. I hadn't thought about the fact that Harry's power is entirely internal, that there is not even a "Force" outside himself to which to apply. The only external force in Harry Potter magic is friendship and love. Additionally, I hadn't considered that the books really are elitist in raising wizards above muggles. I had thought of their abilities simply in the light of any other talent - some people are born athletic or musical or intelligent - in Harry's case, he is born a wizard. However, Houghton is correct that all the power lies with the wizards, and in the absence of any religion, wizards essentially are the power of the universe and control destiny. Interesting.

However, Houghton does not suggest banning the books. He refers to the "common grace" bestowed by God on all people, regardless of their faith, with the resultant ability of non-Christians to write enlightening and educational material. He raises many questions from Harry Potter that would make fascinating discussion points. So while his presumption of righteousness annoyed, me, he had clearly put a lot of thought into his writing, with some interesting outcomes.

I wish I could remember just where, when and how I came into possession of this book. It used not to matter to me, but now that I have such a large backlog of unread books, I find myself surveying my shelf and frequently remembering the context in which they came to me. I begin to understand Mum's insistence on writing the place and date inside books. Where previously books were about the books to me (if that makes sense) I now find that they are also very much about context. I think a new year's resolution for 2010 will be to start writing in all my new books (something I never thought I'd do)! 2010 seems like an appropriately round figure for a new habit... ( )

An interesting book that explores where children should be allowed to read the Harry Potter series. ( )