Book Review: Shinto

Buy it here

Due to time constraints caused by classes and work resuming, I will be doing a very abridged review.

TITLE: Shinto
AUTHOR: C. Scott Littleton
SCORE: 7/10
THE GOOD: This book would make a great text for those who haven't a single clue about Shinto or what it is about. It provides a very broad survey in easy to understand language with relatively interesting and relevant pictures. The reading level I would peg at around 7th or 8th grade, but don't let that deter you from the book, despite its simplicity it is very easy to read and quite entertaining

THE BAD: It doesn't really provide a lot of info. If one was looking to actively practice Shinto, this is not the book for him or her, it only touches upon the broad concepts and doesn't really indicate much of the practice of the religion other than the parading of the mikoshi and the order of purification of body parts before approaching a shrine or temple.

OVERALL: Get this book if you want to get a nice framework to study Shinto from. Avoid this book if you are well-acquainted with the religion and its basic concepts, as you will not likely get much out of it. I would highly recommend this book if you are wanting to help your teen (12-14) get interested in world religions.