Reviews

MUSIC

Not to be missed

Mary Mary, Myrrh Records (Word),
CD £14.99

HERE’S an interesting fact – Mary Mary are a duo of sisters, but neither of them is actually called Mary (I guess ‘the Atkins Sisters’ didn’t have much of a ring, and someone else had thought of ‘Sister Sister’).

Whatever their preferred name, Erika and Tina Atkins are already in demand as songwriters (their songs have been used by Yolanda Adams, and on the Dr Doolittle and Prince Of Egypt soundtracks), and now they’re setting out their stall as artistes in their own right.

With the might of Columbia Records behind them in the mainstream Stateside, the initial response has been promising – even before its market release, debut single Shackles (a.k.a. Praise You) was a dancefloor success. Their album is absolutely packed with winners.

From urban gospel grooves (Thankful, Shackles and Joy) and hip-hop number I Sing, to the soulful ballads What A Friend (based around the old hymn), Be Happy and Still My Child, and right through to their take on traditional gospel stylings (Can’t Give Up Now and Wade in The Water), there’s an abundance of class and breadth to both their performing and writing talents.

If you’re a fan of contemporary gospel, this one’s not to be missed.

Peter Dilley is a part-time studio technician and bass guitarist

BOOKS

The truth about suffering

One Step at a Time, by Julie Sheldon.
Hodder & Stoughton £5.99

JUST as the Sheldon family recovers from Julie’s own traumatic illness with dystonia – documented in Dancer Off Her Feet – 10-year-old Georgie is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Julie’s second book records the whole family’s experience of hanging on to faith (just) as events unfold.

Most disturbing are ‘diary’ extracts written by Georgie herself and by her teenage sister, Mimi. We could learn from their perceptions of how we pressurise those in crisis to help us feel better about their problems.

“‘Cheer up, girl,’ Georgie writes. ‘(After all, that’s what is expected of you.) I put on my mask again. ‘Yes, I’m fine, thank you.’”

Mimi writes: “It sounds bad, I expect, but I found the Christians were the worst! They were always trying to bring God into the reason behind Georgie’s cancer.”

There’s a distressing chapter about Georgie’s admittance, on medical advice, to a rehabilitation unit (later featured in a Panorama investigation). It turns out to be regimented and abusive. Julie’s account of the family’s pain during this terrifying period for Georgie is extremely moving.

The sub-title of the book says it’s “a story of endurance and perseverance”. However, this is no triumphant testimony of heroism and faith, but a realistic look at questions raised by suffering. The author writes convincingly in the last few chapters about the challenge of staying faithful to a God who seems, at times, to fall silent.

Recommended.

Fran Hill is a freelance writer based in Hampton

GAMES

Oscar the Balloonist Drops into the Countryside (PC/Mac, Tivola, £19.99)
Age range: 4-8

Oscar is a young boy who happens to travel around in a balloon. When he lands (and he can in a number of different landscapes) he meets up with a helpful professor who gives him advice and directions. Oscar then plays games, answers questions and generally has a lot of fun with nature.

Bizarrely, he has a talking bag for a traveling companion. Carmela (the bag) has a number of games with her and is always available with comments to help where necessary.

The whole game has the option of being played in French, German or English. Because the native language for the game isn’t English you end up with Oscar’s mouth moving completely ‘out of sync’ with the words - in true spaghetti western style.

The graphics are lovely and clear and the interaction is good. There are a few slightly annoying traits (some of the intros to games go on a bit and some of the language is repetitive) but it is a nice game for a child to play, particularly if they have an interest in animals and the natural world.

Tivola have a range of games and this is quite a good one. It’s fun and helps to build and test a child’s (and adult’s!) knowledge of flora and fauna.

The game gets about 7 out of 10 and no, we have no idea why Oscar travels about in a balloon!

Christian Family Network review team

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		MUSIC Not to be missed Mary Mary, Myrrh Records (Word), CD £14.99 HERE’S an interesting fact – Mary Mary are a duo of sisters, but neither of them is actually called Mary (I guess ‘the Atkins Sisters’ didn’t have much of a ring, and someone else had thought of ‘Sister Sister’). Whatever their preferred name, Erika and Tina Atkins are already in demand as songwriters (their songs have been used by Yolanda Adams, and on the Dr Doolittle and Prince Of Egypt soundtracks), and now they’re setting out their stall as artistes in their own right. With the might of Columbia Records behind them in the mainstream Stateside, the initial response has been promising – even before its market release, debut single Shackles (a.k.a. Praise You) was a dancefloor success. Their album is absolutely packed with winners. From urban gospel grooves (Thankful, Shackles and Joy) and hip-hop number I Sing, to the soulful ballads What A Friend (based around the old hymn), Be Happy and Still My Child, and right through to their take on traditional gospel stylings (Can’t Give Up Now and Wade in The Water), there’s an abundance of class and breadth to both their performing and writing talents. If you’re a fan of contemporary gospel, this one’s not to be missed. Peter Dilley is a part-time studio technician and bass guitarist BOOKS The truth about suffering One Step at a Time, by Julie Sheldon. Hodder & Stoughton £5.99 JUST as the Sheldon family recovers from Julie’s own traumatic illness with dystonia – documented in Dancer Off Her Feet – 10-year-old Georgie is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Julie’s second book records the whole family’s experience of hanging on to faith (just) as events unfold. Most disturbing are ‘diary’ extracts written by Georgie herself and by her teenage sister, Mimi. We could learn from their perceptions of how we pressurise those in crisis to help us feel better about their problems. “‘Cheer up, girl,’ Georgie writes. ‘(After all, that’s what is expected of you.) I put on my mask again. ‘Yes, I’m fine, thank you.’” Mimi writes: “It sounds bad, I expect, but I found the Christians were the worst! They were always trying to bring God into the reason behind Georgie’s cancer.” There’s a distressing chapter about Georgie’s admittance, on medical advice, to a rehabilitation unit (later featured in a Panorama investigation). It turns out to be regimented and abusive. Julie’s account of the family’s pain during this terrifying period for Georgie is extremely moving. The sub-title of the book says it’s “a story of endurance and perseverance”. However, this is no triumphant testimony of heroism and faith, but a realistic look at questions raised by suffering. The author writes convincingly in the last few chapters about the challenge of staying faithful to a God who seems, at times, to fall silent. Recommended. Fran Hill is a freelance writer based in Hampton GAMES Oscar the Balloonist Drops into the Countryside (PC/Mac, Tivola, £19.99) Age range: 4-8 Oscar is a young boy who happens to travel around in a balloon. When he lands (and he can in a number of different landscapes) he meets up with a helpful professor who gives him advice and directions. Oscar then plays games, answers questions and generally has a lot of fun with nature. Bizarrely, he has a talking bag for a traveling companion. Carmela (the bag) has a number of games with her and is always available with comments to help where necessary. The whole game has the option of being played in French, German or English. Because the native language for the game isn’t English you end up with Oscar’s mouth moving completely ‘out of sync’ with the words - in true spaghetti western style. The graphics are lovely and clear and the interaction is good. There are a few slightly annoying traits (some of the intros to games go on a bit and some of the language is repetitive) but it is a nice game for a child to play, particularly if they have an interest in animals and the natural world. Tivola have a range of games and this is quite a good one. It’s fun and helps to build and test a child’s (and adult’s!) knowledge of flora and fauna. The game gets about 7 out of 10 and no, we have no idea why Oscar travels about in a balloon! Christian Family Network review team Back to top © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.