"A PRINCESS STORY: The Real-Life Fairy Tale Found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ" by Jaci Wightman, Cedar Fort, $14.99, 192 pages (f)
In "A Princess Story," LDS author Jaci Wightman seeks to make the gospel of Jesus Christ more relatable by comparing it to fairy tales — and the princesses in fairy tales, to be specific.
She originally came up with the idea when she was serving as Young Women president in her LDS ward. That initial idea has spawned an entertaining and engaging book.
‘‘A Princess Story’’ straddles the line between fiction and nonfiction as it teaches gospel doctrines through different aspects fairy tale stories. Wightman expertly balances the two sides very well in her writing.
Each chapter focuses on a fairy tale trope, such as the princess, the villain, heroes, the epic battle or happy endings and relates to a gospel topic.
The concept of the natural man is shown by relating it to Eustace Scrubb from "The Chronicles of Narnia" who turns into a dragon (or a villain) after falling asleep in a dragon's lair with dragonish thoughts in his heart.
The reader is the titular princess, and Wightman addresses the reader directly throughout the entire book, making every story personally relatable. Each chapter uses quotes from general authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and scriptures to drive home the gospel doctrine being taught.
Scenes from princess movies and stories are also referenced in her analogies.
Every chapter ends with additional reading and recommendations to write in a journal about thoughts inspired by that chapter’s subject matter.
Her smooth writing makes this book an easy read. It is geared toward girls who are Young Women age or about to become Young Women and the lessons taught, and the comparisons made can make a good read for those of any age.
“A Princess Story” includes no swearing or sexual material. There is a little description of mild fairy tale violence, such as princesses being kidnapped by dragons.
Boanerges Lewis is a a lover of reading, and in search of all that is entertaining and interesting in our world. His email is b.blewis@yahoo.com.