Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten

Though this site is generally used as a blog for my ministry with InterVarsity, I thought I'd pause and insert a review of a wonderful book that I just finished. Knowing that many of you that support me have young kids or are just lovers of great storytelling, it seemed like you might benefit from a little exposure to a wonderful (though perhaps lesser known) storyteller by the name of Andrew Peterson.

For a few years now, Andrew has been my favorite singer-songwriter (he is a man of many talents). His records shine with the marriage of eloquent, profound lyrical ability and beautiful melodies that seem to destine a musician far from the radar of CCM and pop music. As one of the songs on his new record, Resurrection Letters Volume II, suggests, Andrew's music has provided a "window in the world" through which I have seen the Kingdom coming in the simple beauties that fall on our senses everyday. Last year, Andrew released a children's book entitled On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Being a fan of his songwriting and artistry, I wanted to support him in this new endeavor so I picked up a copy. After flying through the book in a few days' time, I turned the final page with a smile on my face. Andrew had drawn me into a world filled with strange creatures, far-off (though familiar) lands, and a heroic family that ached of that broken beauty that sits in the hearts of any of us who walk the earth in Hope of things to come. I knew that I would certainly be purchasing the second book in the series as soon as it hit the shelves.

Today, I finished the second book, North! Or Be Eaten. This time I did it with tears in my eyes.

The story has many facets that are worthy of praise and second readings. I want to highlight two for you. First, this is a story of broken people. Andrew captures an element of darkness, mystery, and tension that is at the essence of how we experience this life. Yet, so often it goes unnoticed or unspoken of in media and culture. Old and bitter family secrets abound; betrayal lurks around every corner; jealousy threatens to tear brothers apart. Redemption comes with a price and Andrew has engaged the ransom in a way that is bold in all realms of literature, let alone a children's story. Secondly, Andrew has captured what it means to be a boy better than any author I have ever read. I don't mean that as a light compliment paid to a songwriting hero of mine. I mean that as an English major with a decent familiarity with more than a few types of literature. The interactions between the brothers (Janner and Tink) in the story and the reactions and inner monologues of Janner, Andrew's major protagonist, struck me as exactly what it feels like to be a twelve-year-old boy. His insight into this mindset is uncanny and, in my opinion, unmatched. This element may be Andrew's greatest accomplishment in North! Or Be Eaten. It may sound like a small side detail, but it drew me in like I haven't been in some time.

If you have kids, or if you ever were a kid, you should make your way to your local bookstore and pick up a copy. Trust me, you will not regret it. Kudos, Andrew. This is a story that will be appreciated for generations to come.