New Book Birthed by A Concern For Biblical Literacy

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NY Times Bestselling Author G.P. Taylor & Noted Playwright Collaborate on YHWH:
This fresh retelling of classic, ancient stories that were first told in the pages of the Old Testament will hold great appeal to a generation more familiar with Harry Potter’s Hogwarts than The Garden of Eden.

(Toronto, ON) –What happens when a bestselling fiction author (former rock band roadie turned Anglican minister) and an award-winning playwright collaborate to make Old Testament stories accessible for a new generation? The result is a vibrant collection of ancient, mysterious tales that captivates readers from its very first pages.

YHWH: The Flood, The Fish and The Giant (Authentic Media, 9781860248009, June 2010), the first volume of the highly anticipated Ancient Mysteries Retold series by New York Times Best-Selling British author, G.P. Taylor and American playwright, Paula K. Parker, is receiving rave reviews and critical acclaim from leading figures in the literary, film, and religious communities.

Masterfully combining elements of love, deceit, betrayal, and ultimately redemption YHWH: The Flood, The Fish and The Giant, is a collection of twenty stories from the Old Testament, including Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, David, Esther, and Isaiah. While these are not a straight translation from scripture, they are written with the intent of bringing the stories to life in their historical time period.

This fresh retelling of classic, ancient stories that were first told in the pages of the Old Testament will hold great appeal to a generation more familiar with Harry Potter’s Hogwarts than The Garden of Eden.

"The purpose of the book" says G.P. Taylor, "is to give children, young people and adults a taste of the mystery of one of the most life changing books ever written. It is an introduction to the stories that have entertained and thrilled people for thousands of years."

A great advocate of encouraging children to read, Taylor says he felt compelled to participate in co-authoring YHWH: The Flood, The Fish & The Giant when he discovered that up to 90% of children and young people in the UK are Biblically illiterate, with even such classic tales as David and Goliath, Noah and the ark, Samson and Jonah going unnoticed. "I know many young people and adults who don't read the Bible simply because they don't think the language is understandable," says co-writer, Paula K. Parker. This book presents these ancient stories from a fresh perspective in order to appeal to contemporary readers.

“2011 is the 400th anniversary of the Bible in English,” Taylor says. “Much of our language is rooted in that book. Sadly, we are in the position that within a generation the understanding of the book that underpins our language could be gone forever.”

“I just read over the first two pages and I’m hooked.” says Kim Bindel, Syndicated Morning Show Host, Salem Music Network, Inc.

Popular Christian recording artist and author, Bonnie Keen (First Call), commented, “this fits the bill for any reader longing to embrace a heart-pounding story where the underdog wins the day and good triumphs against all odds over evil. “

YHWH: The Flood, The Fish and The Giant is also generating buzz in the film and music communities. “What an absolute delight,” says Mitchell Galin, producer of such films as Stephen King’s The Langoliers, Pet Sematary, and Journey to Everest. “Rarely have I seen stories so vividly portrayed.”