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Seven Themes You Can’t Escape
Seven Themes You Can’t Escape
All proceeds support Focus Church's mission of discipleship.
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Why do the same themes keep appearing in every great story — from ancient myths to modern movies? This book explores seven inescapable themes that reflect our deepest longings, inviting you to spot them in your favorite books, films, and plays.
"I believe these themes are inescapable, not because our culture imposes them upon creators, but because they reflect our deepest longings. Every story we write, draw, compose, or perform is a seeking after that one true story of the universe. This is why the themes continue to pop up in story after story."
A rich, thought-provoking read for anyone who loves narrative — and wants to understand why the stories we love matter so much.
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David Megill
David Megill is a pastor, conference speaker, and writer with a story that spans three continents. He leads Focus Church and has spent decades helping people discover that they matter to God through books that bring encouragement, hope, and laughter to the journey of faith.
I enjoyed this quick read and have already started spotting the 7 themes in books and movies since beginning this reading. The Epilogue ties the themes together in a way that connects your heart to the stories you already love. Megill clearly has enjoyed his "game" of spotting the themes in his favorite stories, but does a clear job of translating those heady ideas to the page for his readers.
A great book about the themes in our favorite stories-and why the presence of those themes make certain stories our favorites! I've had fun finding these themes in the stories that surround me in books and movies. Discussing these themes with friends and family has challenged me to think more deeply and thus enriched my experience of "story". Enjoyable read!
Megill is clear, witty, and engaging. His analysis is insightful and made me think about books, movies, stories in a new way, yet what he said made sense because he tapped into truths we all know about stories. The best stories resonate because they have these seven themes. I liked his follow up questions, which could make for deep discussion with friends, even if they haven't read the book. Accessible yet deep book.
This will change how you take in and evaluate stories that you read and watch. I was aware of some of these themes, but not all of them. As you become aware of these themes, you'll see them showing up everywhere! Also, don't skip the anti-themes chapter in the appendices.
I have been waiting for this book for a long time. I enjoy the game of searching out each theme in all the books and movies and even kids shows I come across. Great work Dave.