Customer Reviews

When Someone You Love is Wiccan

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book regularly oversimplifies and misrepresents Wicca and other forms of Paganism.
While some will chalk this up to his target audience, "Concerned Friends, Nervous Parents, and Curious Co-Workers" are the *last* people you want to be seen as being over simplistic to.
I gave this work to my sister, unread... big, dumb mistake because within days she was pointing out the differences between what she has witnessed me practice for 23 years and what this book seemed to say I was practicing.
I understand the need for such a book, but this one is just *too* oversimplistic, and his definitions are often awful.
I just keep imagining a teen buying this for a parent who is really antiwiccan and getting in worse trouble when that parent interprets the oversimplication as *lies*.
That being said, well, if you give it to people who know he over simplifies, you should be okay, but *do not* give it to someone who is already biased as a cure because it will just make things worse.

Frankly, I was very concerned when I first ran across this book. I wondered if it was a 'fundie' text imploring people to convert my Wiccan friends to Christianity. What a pleasant surprise when I opened up the text and found out it is not.

As others have accurately noted however, the well-intentioned author simplifies Wicca. He then attempts to lump this in with Paganism. Wicca and Paganism are two different concepts. Perhaps the text itself could be toned up in another version of the book.

Overall, this is a useful resource for people who want to be supportive, but are not sure what they are supporting. It would be an important purchase for local libraries---where `concerned people' might turn after learning the news about a loved one.

The title is important as it is in order to reach the wavering people who would otherwise be susceptible to 'bible-thumping' propaganda about these very practices. Most importantly, the book does not condemn the practitioner and instead encourages readers to accept them as they are.

Hats off to the author and the publisher that took a chance with this one. Let's face it folk, there are not a lot of people who are willing to listen. But if you have one in your life that might, this is THE book to hand him or her. The author describes the Wiccan religion in terms that non Wiccans can understand while all alone presenting the Wiccan religion as accurately as it can be presented in print. Even though my mother is comfortable with my religious choice, I purchased not only a copy for her but a second one for anyone she thinks would benefit from receiving it. In short, this is not a book that should be included in every Wiccan's library. It is the book that TWO copies should be in every Wiccan's library. The only thing I would change is the price. Oh, it is well worth it but I would be able to hand out twice as many if it cost half as much.

I bought this book for my Christian mother, when I fell out of the broom closet. I read the entire book before giving it to her, because I wanted to make sure I agreed with the information that was inside. I found that most of the information is in tune with my particular path, but I ear-marked several pages that had explanations that required me to discuss my stance.

She read at least half of the book, asking me questions along the way. I'm not really sure if she finished it or not, but she has definitely let go of her pre-conceptions. She is now at a point in her life, where she is searching for her perfect fit. I am in no way recommending my path to her, because one's religion is much too personal. She will know once she feels that amazing and instantaneous 'click', what is right for her.

This book is alright for those who need a quick explanation on the most obvious of questions. Most everyone will have to expand on the information given, and correct the flaws inside, so as to give their family and friends the best possible chance in understanding who they are and why they've chosen this path. Good luck to everyone in their fall out of the broom closet.

In search for a book that will explain in simple terms Wicca I came across this one. It is written in a fun way making the reader comfortable with its contents and its arguments are well structured. What is unique about it is that it's not written for those who are on the Wiccan path but for those who want to know what Wicca is without practicing it for themselves. Trying to explain Wicca can be complicated and with all the misconceptions around it gets more difficult. This book is perfect for both Wiccans who want something to help them explain their path and non-Wiccans who are curious, interested or afraid for their beloved ones being involved in Wicca.
Am I recomending it? Definately. It gives solid information without being boring and can be a great start point or just a great help to clear away negativity and fear about this path.

I found this book's information very clear and correct in nearly all instances. The questions they posed were ones that Christians and interested parties have asked me in the past, and things that as a parent, I can understand the concern about. (when looking from a completely unknowing, outside perspective about witch-craft) A lot of the info towards the end of the book was directed at parents of teens exploring the path. I actually really wish that I had found this book for Mom and Dad back when I was a young pagan teen, hiding my practice in my bedroom, and going on an absurdly large number of "camping trips". I don't know if it would have helped or hurt at that point to have been so open about it, but it certainly would have been different than the "elephant in the room" mentality that I lived with then and still now.

The book is written in a way that makes opposition to the craft sound like what it is - religious prejudice - and teaches tolerance as a road to acceptance or at least harmonious cohabitation of beliefs. It addresses key concerns that folks tend to have (what is magic really, why a Goddess, I'm afraid your going to hell...) and does so in a completely intelligent way.

I recommend this book to anyone who either wants to know more about the craft of the wise, or knows someone who is interested in Paganism. It definitely covers every topic you might have question about, but are afraid to ask.

This is a very good book for people that have no idea or the wrong idea of what Wicca is. I agree with 80-90% of the material, not that the other 10-20% is wrong just that I see things a bit differently.