Reality and Other Stories: How the Seven Basic Plots Point Us to the Meaning of Reality

Stories shape us and give us meaning - but is it coincidence that the same seven basic plots repeat over time and across the world? What if stories not only reveal something about human psychology, but also give us clues to the meaning of the reality we live in?

In Reality and Other Stories, Peter Dray and Matt Lillicrap explore how seven story archetypes - Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy and Rebirth - are not only universal, but also found in the story of Christ. As they unpack each example, they demonstrate how our deepest longing find fulfilment in Jesus' story.

This is not just another Christian apologetics book. Reality and Other Stories is an ideal gift to give to new Christians and those just beginning to explore faith. The authors show the power of storytelling to affect our lives, and through examples of story archetypes demonstrates that the life of Jesus truly is the story at the heart of reality.

Reality and Other Stories will help you explore Jesus' story for yourself and better understand how through Jesus, we can discover the true story of reality that gives ultimate purpose to our lives.

Peter Dray is Director for Creative Evangelism with UCCF and writes video scripts and supporting materials for CU Impact Groups.

Matt Lillicrap is Pastor of Hope Community Church, Cambridge and a tutor with Crosslands Training. He has written for Themelios and Primer and blogs at www.onwardstoglory.org.