17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put it down!, January 16, 2003
Many introductory books exist that purport to explain this material. However, WSYLIW is written so smoothly, and presents such a balanced and well-researched viewpoint, that it wins my premier recommendation.
McColman thoughtfully and succinctly dispels the false myths that surround Wicca with a loving tone that respects all religions (no bashing here). This necessity for mutual respect and love echoes (rightfully so, IMHO) throughout his work. Furthermore, unlike many authors who couple shimmering content with narcoleptic prose, McColman presents 1st-rate background information with a flowing, extremely approachable style that will captivate the reader.
I would even recommend this as an introductory book to those who are interested in Wicca themselves and seek an unprejudiced prospective.
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25 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Something for the Muggles, March 29, 2003
There are many books out there that approach Wicca and Witchcraft from the beginners view, but Carl McColman approaches these topics from the viewpoint of someone not interested in becoming a Wiccan or Witch but needs, for whatever reason, to know about these things.
Carl McColman has been a pagan since 1983. He has done the research on the subjects and tries to cover the basics of these spiritual paths, without being path specific or covering every single variation or tradition.
The book takes the format of questions and answers for the most part, with an introduction of basic facts, common sense and an attempt to tie into some commonalities found in many religions. There is a good index and the book is laid out in well organized chapters.
Mr. McColman's approach is to keep it simple, understandable and not confuse everyone with all the different opinions held by those in the pagan community. We are all aware how we love to be individualistic in our belief systems, and Mr. Colman successfully spotlights the meat and potatoes of our basic tenets.
Mr. Colman states that this book is not meant for the initiated or the newbies who are looking to make this path their own. The book is not meant for theological discussion. He covers much of the 'misinformation' that the non-pagan will encounter and clarifies them so as to dispel these misconceptions.
There is some good research, some general statements and some silly questions but the material is relevant to the audience the book is addressing. If you don't argue the generalities, this is a great book for the purpose it is intended.
We need material like this for the curious mundane. While offering the beginners books for the curious has been the practice in the past, these books did not offer many of the answers that those who have no intention of following these paths were looking for.
If you find you need a book of this kind in your family, workplace or community, this will fill the bill quite well.
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14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great tool for communication, March 3, 2003
By A Customer
I have been Wiccan for 18 years, and after awhile you get tired of the endless cycle of explaining what you believe, what you do not believe, and dealing with the inevitable arguments and debates. During a period of my life when I simply did not have the time or energy to explain the same thing over and over again, I discovered this book. It is a very straightforward, easy to understand introduction of Wicca and Paganism that covers most of the bases and challenges the reader to think as well as listen. My only criticism might be that it is a little simplistic, but the fact is that the subject is so complex it is necessary to simplify or else you would end up writing a series of books, not just one! So far, all the non Pagan People I have lent the book to have liked it and were able to come to a greater understanding of Pagan beliefs. The author's easygoing tone is non threatening and promotes respect for all faiths.
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