Review
Seeing the romantic, Victorian cover of the small volume Of Knights and Fair Maidens, my pre-teen begged to read what she assumed was a princess story. I told her no, it was just a boring “courtship book” and trudged to my room to read it. We were both mistaken, having rashly judged this small book by its deceptive cover.
The husband and wife team of Jeff and Danielle Myers share practical and modern advice for finding, courting, and committing to your future spouse in their easy-to-read book. Written in a casual, conversational question-and-answer format, the Myers discuss how they bucked the dating trend to forge a then unheard-of trail into what they call “courting.”
And that is where the preconceptions have to stop. When most people think of courtship – myself included – they equate it with rigid rules, strict formulas for finding a mate, authoritarian parenting, ultra-conservatism, and even arranged marriages. This book resembles none of that.
Rather, Of Knights and Fair Maidens offers a balanced approach to one of life’s most important decisions. Jeff and Danielle emphasize accountability, character, and preparation. In each of those areas, they present simple, straight-forward examples as to how young adults can shore up these areas in their lives at this critical juncture. Accountability relationships are not only encouraged with the parents (and parents of the intended), but young people in college or working far from their own parents are urged to seek out godly mentors nearby. The reader is reminded to spend this time not only building his own character, but also inciting character growth in the one he is courting. And finally, the Myers offer tips to begin preparing for married life.
But first, Jeff encourages young people to
… develop friendships with both guys and girls that are not exclusive, and view all unmarried Christian guys and girls as brothers and sisters in Christ. [p. 15]
While the Myers offer Biblical principles and sound Scriptural application for their viewpoints on dating and courtship, most of the book is strictly their opinion on how this would work out in a young person’s life. It is this gentle, non-judgmental, suggestive way of discussing what could be a controversial subject that makes this book so appealing.
We’ve tried to develop a courtship model that teens and single people in their twenties and older can use in a variety of circumstances. It focuses more on the principles rather than the circumstances in which people find themselves.
Whether parents define their family as “dating” or “courtship” (or if you are like our family: “none of the above!”), Of Knights and Fair Maidens offers much to think about and discuss. After doing so with my husband, I’m pretty sure my children will read it after all … in another 20 or 30 years.
About the Reviewer
The life mission of Jeff and Danielle Myers is to train future leaders to understand the times in which they live, equipping them with the skills they need to make a difference in the world. Their speaking and writing ministry focuses on worldviews, leadership, character development, and relationships. Jeff and Danielle live in Dayton, Tennessee with their four children.
Grace & Truth Books is a publisher of Christian character-building resources, primarily children’s books reprinted from past centuries. We aim to bring some of the best Christian literature from the 19th and 18th centuries, back to the homes of Christian families today. In addition to this, we have gradually begun to publish a variety of titles written by current authors for parents and Bible students.
I’ve found this to be one of the best, “non-prescriptive” looks at courtship on the market. In this book as in his work with Summit Ministries, Jeff Myers speaks with grace, humility and winsomeness – all the while standing firmly for truth. The book is a favorite of my teen daughters: it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” courtship book, but gives them (and us!) principles to think through and hold up to Scripture. Thanks for the review of this gem!
I just want to suggest that if this reviewer be more objective with her book reviews. Most of the time she reviews books that have to do with courtship, she has to throw indirect comments about “how boring” or that courtship “stuff”. Our culture is saturated with wrong messages and we MUST TRAIN our young people to be different and NOT conform to the pattern of the world!
Thanks for reading, Imelda. This is actually the first courtship book I have publicly reviewed, though I have extensive personal experience on the subject and culture of courtship. We encourage all of our readers to participate in commenting upon and discussing particulars of the products being reviewed. Please feel free to stop by and leave helpful remarks related to this book. You can read more about commenting in our Frequently Asked Questions: http://homeschoolconvention.com/reviews/frequently-asked-questions/ .