When the Fairy Dust Settles

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 19 JUL 2004

Parshall, host of the conservative radio talk show Janet Parshall's America, and her daughter Perry, an attorney, engage in dialogue about issues facing Christian women today. They take on some practical topics, from plastic surgery (Perry, a gorgeous 30-year-old, is embarrassed to admit she's thought about getting it) to perfectionism and household debt. Perry in particular cultivates a strong, confessional resonance with the reader. Whether she's feeling inadequate (despite appearing here as the consummate overachiever) or is struggling with the urge to overspend, many female readers are sure to identify. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is that in addition to drawing from a well of relevant scriptures (and facing down the inevitable specter of the Proverbs 31 Woman), the authors also dip into various fairy tales and children's stories for inspiration--Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, etc. Non-evangelical readers may disagree with some the authors' conclusions on social and theological issues, but then again, this mother and daughter don't always see eye to eye, either; Parshall is clearly more to the right than her daughter.