Customer Reviews

Pocahontas : The True Story of an American Hero and Her Christian Faith

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While I appreciate Horn Book's representative taking the time to "review" my book, I am a bit taken aback by its aggressive and almost hostile tone. In light of this "literary reprimand", I thought you, the potential purchaser, deserved to know that a Virginia Historian who specializes in the story and history of Pocahontas reviewed this book as well. I am happy to relate to you that his review on it was overall favorable. I specifically asked him about some of my assertions regarding John Rolfe and Pocahontas' sharing of the Bible and her personal freedom in converting to a faith in Jesus Christ and he assured me it was well within the realm of possibilities based on the surviving data and historical records of this time.

I mean no ill will towards the Horn Book Reviewer but, like many, I prefer to form my own opinion of a book or movie or play. On a personal note, I do question why this Reviewer felt it important to seek out this individual site and post this most unflattering review of it. The Reviewer's further assertion that this book is unacceptable to "even to the devout audience" is shamelessly arrogant and hopelessly petty. I suspect this Reviewer allowed himself (or herself) to put more confidence in her (or his) personal reading taste than is merited. To date, over 30,000 copies of this book have been purchased. While this will certainly not qualify it for the "New York Times Bestseller's List", it clearly illustrates a definite and marked contrast to this Reviewer's unkind and unprofessional assertion that is somehow, "unacceptable" -- even to the "devout". Perhaps this Reviewer is using his/her platform as a "Reviewer" to implement his/her own brand of censorship.

If you're looking for a book that casually explores - based on the historical record - what may have been going on in Pocahontas' heart and mind to have prompted her to convert to Christianity, I know you'll enjoy this book. I was largely motivated to wr! ite it when I learned how far Disney has strayed, neglected and falsified the story of Pocahontas. I have two children of my own and was eager to share the compelling power of the love of Jesus as illustrated through the story of this fascinating, courageous and independent young girl. It is not -- and was never intended to be -- the "end-all" on the story of Pocahontas. It simply adds to the data on this heroic child.

In response to Mr. Mason's review: I have often wondered what in my book got him so upset. So upset, in fact, that he would say this about me: "he seems to suffer from the delusion that everything done in the name of Christianity has been good". Really? Do you know me, Mr. Mason? Have you ever met me? Talked with me? No. Indeed, there is much done in the name of "Christianity" that I despise. Anytime a relationship with Jesus Christ disfigures itself into "religion" evil is fast approaching.

I recently watched the movie, "New World". It stars Colin Ferrell (among others). The special features on the dvd show how meticulous they were to reflect the historical record. I invite you to watch it, Mr. Mason. I don't think you'd feel compelled to accuse any of the main people involved as "suffering the delusion that everything done in the name of Christianity has been good" and yet the basic tenets in their movie are the same ones I arrived at when researching the story in preparation to write my short children's book. Mainly, that Pocahontas was not kidnapped by the colonists and held as a prisoner against her will. That she, in fact, came to embrace Christianity on her own. And that she caught sight of, at least, a small piece of her role or involvement in a larger historical context.

On a personal level, I do not relish the Native Americans losing their land and the battles that brought that take-over about. So many nations throughout history have been birthed in bloodshed. I leave God as the Judge in all of that. We are where we are and I don't presume to have divine understanding about the birth of our nation. And, yet, I proudly plead with countless other Americans: God bless the USA so that we may continue to bless others.

Finally, Mr. Mason, I pray God's best be yours in abundance. If my comments came across smug or self-righteous, I apologize. This was my first published book and the Horn book review I was replying to was the first review I'd ever received. It stung and I felt it went too far and was laced with hostility. Perhaps I was (am?) too thin-skinned? At any rate, I do appreciate you taking the time to review my book. The most important thing is not my book, of course, but that you (and I) know and grow in God's love. Perhaps you already do. If so, pray for me. I'm trying.

Author Andy Holmes says that his book CASUALLY explores what MAY have been in the heart and mind of Pocahontas regarding her conversion. Talk about disclaimers! I think the book explores the fantasies of the author, and he seems to suffer from the delusion that everything done in the name of Christianity has been good. Thus, he puts a positive spin on the conversion of Pocahontas while ignoring anything contrary in the historical record. It's indecent to hold up Pocahontas as a poster child for Christianity!