A Field Guide to Otherkin by Lupa © 2007 Megalithic Books ISBN
978-1-905713-07-3 312 pages Paperback $21.99 (U.S.)
Do you believe in Otherkin? Do you even know what Otherkin are? In
fairness I have to admit that I knew almost nothing about the topic before
reading this work by Lupa. Simply put (far too simply) Otherkin identify
on
at least some level as some variety of life other than human - some form
of
earthly animal, dragon, elf, etc.
As I read this book I found myself questioning my beliefs throughout.
Starting out, I had severe doubts, even given my strong leanings toward
affinities with felines and dragons. Further in, I doubted my doubts. As
I
read through the book I found myself, repeatedly, asking "Does Lupa really
believe this, or is it an act?" In reality, I can't answer that
definitively for more than one reason. There is the fact that I don't
know
Lupa personally. A few emails do not a relation****p make. Then there is
the fact that I'm not 100% sure where I stand on the belief in Otherkin.
I
don't THINK I know any 'kin personally, but there is always that
possibility.
This book is designed a s a guide on several levels. First, and foremost,
it is a guide to dealing with the personal beliefs and feelings of the
reader. Lupa realizes that validity of belief can ONLY be judged from the
inside. As an example, I am not in a position to judge the validity of
the
beliefs of Pope Benedict XVI (simply as an example). I can judge his
behavior against the standards of his church and community, but as for his
personal beliefs - I'm not him, so I can't say.
Secondarily, it is a basic guide to the types of Otherkin out there. In
Lupa's case, she bases this on the results (primarily) of a survey she
distributed. She is honest enough to admit that the response to the
survey
was quite limited (far less than 1,000) and may not be representative of
the
Otherkin community-at-large.
In these two functions of a guidebook she succeeds nicely. She offers
guidance for the reader to find their own level of belief and happiness
while leading through the tangled path to acceptance.
As one of the first books to be available to the public on this topic A
Field Guide to Otherkin will be subject to a more thorough examination
than
might be given to later books on the topic, simply based on the uniqueness
of the book and topic.
Did reading this make things clearer for me? It certainly did. Did it
raise other questions and doubts? It absolutely did. Was it a worthwhile
book to read? Beyond any doubt it fulfilled the desire of the author to
bring the subject forward so that the topic could be discussed further.
It
carefully presents both sides of the discussion and encourage interaction.
While it won't appeal to everyone, you may find yourself amazed at the
questions it raises. Read it and decide for yourself.
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