It used to be that Hollywood made books into movies; these days movies are made into books. And so it is with the hugely popular movie Soul Surfer. For those who haven’t seen the movie or DVD, Soul Surfer is the story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again. She inspired millions through her love of family, sheer determination and unwavering faith.

The book is actually a handbook for Christian living aimed at teenagers and pre-teens, using Bethany as example and inspiration. The book explores the passions God has placed on our hearts (surfing, in Bethany’s case), how to sort out priorities and purpose, dealing with conflict and confusion and the storms that come our way.

Each chapter starts with a few paragraphs referring back to scenes from the movie and how Bethany dealt with incidents. Then the theme is explored.

It’s a very visually appealing book for young readers, printed in blue type (symbolising the sea and surf, I suppose), with subheadings, breakouts and discussion points at the end of each chapter.

If you are a youth group leader, ask the boss if the church will pay for a set of books to use at home groups and youth nights. Or buy one for your own teens. It will become as well thumbed as a favourite Bible.

By Jeremy and Janna Jones
Outreach Publishing 
ISBN 978-1-9355-4144-8

– Duncan Pardon (review copy courtesy of Manna Books)